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

Airbus has hailed 2011 as a record year for both orders and deliveries. Tom Enders, the European airframer’s president and CEO, told a January 17 joint press conference with parent group EADS that 2012 will see Airbus facing further challenges to streamline production rates and supply-chain issues, while also focusing on keeping the development of the new A350XWB widebody on track following the November 2011 confirmation of a program delay.


In 2011, Airbus delivered 534 airliners to 88 customers, including 10 new operators—marking the 10th successive year of production increases. The company also secured net new orders for&nbsp;1,419&nbsp;airliners after taking account of 189 cancellations.


Not included in the final 2011 order tally are 130 <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/?q=aviation-news/2011-07-20/american-pulls-trigger-massive-narrowbody-order#en">A320neos and 130 existing A320 narrowbodies ordered last July by American Airlines</a>. Enders told the press conference in Hamburg, Germany, that it could not regard these orders as firm because <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/?q=aviation-news/2011-11-29/amr-declares-bankruptcy#en">American Airlines has since entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection</a>. “We have every confidence that they [American] will come out of this strengthened and that the Neo is just the aircraft that airlines need when coming out of Chapter 11 because of the savings it offers,” he commented.


The 1,226 firm sales of the new A320neo dominated Airbus’s order book last year, prompting the consortium to claim a 70-percent share of the narrowbody market. “We will continue to dominate this sector because the A320neo is better than a re-engined 737,” said Airbus COO John Leahy. “Boeing helped us out last year by not getting its act together [on time] with 737MAX.”


Separately, EADS CEO Louis Gallois indicated that the European group’s board might take until late May to settle its new management structure and confirm the appointment of his successor. Tom Enders is widely expected to be named as EADS’s new CEO, but it is increasingly clear that French and German political leaders are stalling over confirmation due to disagreement over other management changes and positions.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Airbus Logs Sales and Delivery Records as EADS Mulls Management Changes

2011 was another record year for Airbus for orders and deliveries

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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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.

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

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News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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