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

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates last week held the first meeting of a working group that is drafting revised regulations covering business aviation. The group, a joint initiative with the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), met on January 25 at GCAA’s headquarters in Dubai. Another meeting is due to be convened before the end of February.

 


According to MEBAA, new regulations are needed to alleviate the burden for UAE-based operators to comply with GCAA regulations that were drawn up primarily with airlines in mind. GCAA director H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi called for the formation of the working group during the December 2014 MEBAA show in Dubai.

 


Operators represented at the first working group meeting included Abu Dhabi Aviation, Aerogulf Services Co., Al Jaber Aviation, Empire Aviation Group, ExecuJet Middle East, Falcon Aviation Services, Gama Aviation, Gulf Wings, Heli Dubai, Jet Ops, Midex Airlines, Private Affairs Bureau, Royal Jet and Unique Air. MEBAA was formed in 2006 and has a total of 234 member companies.

 


“On behalf of MEBAA and its members, I would like to express my appreciation for GCAA’s continuous support as we work diligently to ensure the sustainable and organic growth of the business aviation industry in the UAE,” said MEBAA chairman Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi. “Our collaboration, along with the operators’ invaluable input and participation, will guarantee each operator’s success and will hopefully serve as an example for other countries’ authorities and operators to follow for the purpose of serving the region’s business aviation industry as a whole."

 


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