Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

As French police continue their investigation into an alleged arson attack on a flight school at Montpellier-Méditerranée International Airport (LFMT), the training organization that lost three of its aircraft in the May 20 incident this week issued a statement addressing the impact on its business. Last week, the Airways Aviation Group said it has incurred financial losses and disruption to operations as a result of the incident, for which it said it had no responsibility.
Three Diamond DA42 training aircraft were destroyed by fire, and several others were damaged, when an unidentified person or persons breached airport security in an attempt to destroy the company’s whole fleet. Airways Aviation said it is continuing to cooperate with the investigation while seeking “legal, contractual, and insurance remedies” for financial losses amounting to “tens of millions of euros” that have subsequently impacted other parts of its training operations in Europe and the UAE.
“For the avoidance of doubt, at no time did the incident arise from, or relate to, any failure in the company’s safety management system, training governance, operational control, or regulatory compliance obligations,” the Dubai-based group said in its statement. “All approvals, oversight arrangements, and safety assurance processes applicable to approved training organizations remained in force, and the company has continued to engage proactively and transparently with regulators and the relevant competent authorities throughout.”

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Flight School Airways Aviation Makes Statement on Montpellier Arson Attack

Training organization lost three Diamond DA42 aircraft in May 20 incident

Flight training organization Airways Aviation said it is incurring financial losses due to an alleged arson attack on its aircraft at Montpellier in France.

Flight School Makes Statement on Montpellier Arson Attack

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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