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

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and services business jet aircraft.

Charles Alcock

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

Rolls-Royce has been busy flight testing the Pearl 10X turbofan being developed for the Dassault Falcon 10X business jet on the UK aircraft engine manufacturer’s Boeing 747 testbed. In a media briefing ahead of the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow this week, Rolls-Royce business aviation director Dirk Geisinger said the 18,000-pound-thrust engine is already “smashing” projected performance targets, having surpassed targeted thrust levels since the first test run.
The Pearl 10X features the Advance2 engine core combined with a high-performance low-pressure system that the company said will deliver its highest-thrust turbofan to date for business aircraft applications. It also has a 5% improvement in specific fuel consumption compared with earlier-generation engines. So far, the Advance2 demonstrator core and the Pearl 10X engine combined have logged more than 2,500 flight hours and 7,700 cycles o
Pearl engines also feature combustor tiles that Geisinger said have delivered 20% more efficiency in cooling the walls and temperature reductions to improve the performance of the high-pressure turbine. The additive-layer manufacturing techniques used for these tiles have reduced the design and manufacturing time by 75%.
Geisinger also reported that the entry into service of Rolls-Royce’s Pearl 700 engines on Gulfstream’s G700 aircraft has been “flawless.” As of July 11, he said the 12 G700s delivered at that point had flown 750 hours, including a nonstop flight from New Zealand to New York City-area Teterboro Airport, taking full advantage of the jet’s 7,750-nm range.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is supporting Gulfstream’s efforts to complete type certification of the 8,000-nm G800 to allow it to enter service later this year. The manufacturer has started to ramp up production of the Pearl 700 turbofans for this program.
According to Geisinger, 75% of new Rolls-Royce engines for business aircraft are now enrolled in its CorporateCare power-by-the-hour maintenance program. The support is provided to operators through more than 85 authorized service centers worldwide, 10 parts stores, and more than 75 on-wing services technicians. More than 250 engines and nacelles are also available for lease under the program.

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

Rolls-Royce Reports Progress with Pearl 10X Engine for Falcon 10X Twinjet

Manufacturer says early operations with the Pearl 700 turbofans on the Gulfstream G700 are "flawless"

Engine maker Rolls-Royce is supporting Dassault's work to bring the Falcon 7X business jet to market, and is also working with Gulfstream on the G800 program.

Rolls-Royce Reports Progress with Pearl 10X Engine 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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

BR23 Energic is an electric version of the piston-powered two-seater

Elfly Will Distribute Electric BR23 Training Aircraft in Nordic Countries

Matt Thurber

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.

Low-cost turboprop engine could be suitable replacement for pistons

Serbia's Green Power Certifying Small Turboprop Engine

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Technology demonstrator based on TBM aircraft logged 100 flight hours

EcoPulse Partners Report on Hybrid-electric Flight Tests

Magni650 electric propulsion unit simulated flight at 30,000 feet on a testbed aircraft

MagniX and NASA Complete Electric Propulsion Ground Tests

Sarah Rose

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.

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

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.

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

In this article

Falcon 10X

Gulfstream G700/G800

Rolls-Royce

More In Engines