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

In seeking to consummate its <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-air-transport-perspective/2012-12-17/branson-ba-im-not-going-anywhere">proposed strategic alliance with Delta Air Lines</a>, Virgin Atlantic Airways aims to head off the challenge posed by the formidable pairing of British Airways and American Airlines. So who did Virgin chairman Sir Richard Branson recruit to succeed retiring CEO Steve Ridgway? Why, naturally, a senior American Airlines executive in the shape of senior vice president for customers Craig Kreeger, who assumes his new role from February 1.


Assuming Delta’s plan to buy the 49-percent stake in UK-based Virgin currently held by Singapore Airlines wins approval from anti-trust regulators, Kreeger’s first task is to resolve how its new partnership will function in tandem with its new U.S. shareholder’s existing joint venture with Air France-KLM. Another question centers on whether Virgin will give up its previous aversion to joining the larger airline alliances and seek membership of the SkyTeam group, in which Delta and Air France-KLM already play leading roles. Kreeger, 53, directly participated in forging American’s alliance with BA on transatlantic routes. He formerly spent six years working for American Airlines in London.


Meanwhile, German low-fare carrier Air Berlin has replaced its chief executive, Hartmut Mehdorn, with recently appointed board member Wolfgang Prock-Schauer. The former head of UK carrier BMI now oversees a two-year cost-cutting program aimed at improving profitability. Since December 2011, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has stood as Air Berlin’s main shareholder.


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