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

Business aircraft passengers flying out of UK airports are facing rate increases for <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainalerts/2013-03-14/uk-airport-departure-tax-extended-bizav-passengers">air passenger duty</a> (APD) of between 50 and 58 percent under revisions to the tax the government announced last month.


Beginning April 1, 2015, a new higher rate of £426 ($690) will apply to aircraft weighing more than 20 metric tons (44,091 pounds) and with fewer than 19 seats on flights of more than 2,000 miles. For flights shorter than 2,000 miles, the rate will be £78 ($126). However, under wider changes that have seen the number of APD rate bands reduced to just two, charges for flights longer than 6,000 miles will be lower.


The British Business and General Aviation Association has complained that the APD changes “came as a complete surprise” and warned that they could have “unintended consequences.” It has requested consultation with UK tax officials in a bid to secure further amendments to the changes before they take effect next year. Lindsey Oliver, the group’s operations and development manager, told AIN that action is needed “before significant damage is done to corporate business aviation and the inward investment it brings to the UK.”

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.

Bizav Passengers Face Higher Taxes in the UK

Beginning April 1, 2015, the revised UK air passenger duty will include a new higher rate targeting business aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Robert Sancetta

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.

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

AmyWilder

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.

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims 

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

Matt Thurber

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

Participants' information is no longer subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

Curt Epstein

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Kerry Lynch

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.

More In Regulations and Government

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program

Participants' information is no longer subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Graves Set To Continue as House Transportation Chair

A pilot, Graves is active in general aviation

Former Bizjet Escrow Exec Sentenced in Drug Scheme

Judge gives sentence of 16 years in federal prison

NBAA: Be Prepared for Ownership Reporting Requirements

Legal experts caution that further court action could be ahead

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