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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Bombardier Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500

Charles Alcock

Luxaviation UK has added a Bombardier Global 6000 to its fleet and unveiled the aircraft today at the Air Charter Expo at London Biggin Hill Airport. The large-cabin jet is owned by a client who has had an Embraer Phenom 300 under management with the company for 10 years and is keeping both aircraft to have options for both intra-European and intercontinental trips.
According to Luxaviation UK CEO George Galanopoulos, providing the right advice is the key to encouraging newcomers to continue as private aviation customers. His team worked closely with the Phenom 300 owner to evaluate other options, placing an emphasis on “finding the right aircraft for the customer rather than the right one for the operator.”
The client had first considered options in the Dassault Falcon family and expanded his choices after re-evaluating operating economics and cabin size, Galanopoulos told AIN. He also considered a Gulfstream G550 before settling on the 12-passenger, 6,000-nm Global 6000.
Luxaviation UK, which now has 20 aircraft in its managed and charter fleet, is part of the wider Luxaviation fleet of more than 400. The group has seven European air operator certificates, which Galanopoulos said gives flexibility to work around some of the Brexit restrictions. More than 10% of the Luxaviation fleet is now registered in San Marino, which Galanopoulos said is beneficial for owners mainly flying in and out of Europe, but not so helpful for charter operations within the continent.
According to Galanopoulos, the number of aircraft on the UK register has declined markedly in recent years, mainly due to the operational problems posed by Brexit. He added that concerns among high-net-worth individuals about anticipated wealth tax changes from the UK's new Labour government have also prompted more recent departures.
Some of Luxaviation’s aircraft owners are flying between 700 and 800 hours per year, at which point it is not viable to make the jets available for charter to offset costs, Galanopoulos said. In his view, annual owner usage of between 300 and 500 flight hours is the sweet spot for offering aircraft to the charter market, with newcomers to the charter sector encouraged to start considering ownership when they are flying more than 200 hours.
“For [high-use] clients, having their own aircraft and their own crew is very important, and owners see value in always seeing the same faces; people who know them and their needs very well,” Galanopoulos said.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Luxaviation Grows UK Managed Fleet as Owner Opts for Bombardier Global 6000

Client adds long-range jet to supplement existing Embraer Phenom 300

Luxaviation unveiled a Bombardier Global 6000 as the newest addition to its management and charter fleet at the Air Charter Expo at London Biggin Hill Airport.

Luxaviation Grows UK Fleet as Owner Opts for Global 6000

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

Hong Kong-based group has established a new headquarters in Dubai

Sino Jet Supports Chinese Business Growth in the Gulf 

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.

Charter operator logged record flight hours over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend

FlyExclusive Hits Historic Highs With Holiday Travel

Peter Shaw-Smith

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.

Company says the Middle East is proving to be a rewarding market for its approach 

Jet Luxe Expands Private Charter and Ownership Options

Expansion grows footprint for both companies

SinoJet, Jetex Make Moves in Middle East

AmyWilder

Fractional owners can access fleet flexibility across aircraft

Jet.AI Launches Fractional Pre-sales for CJ4 Aircraft

Aimed at those flying 'three or more times per year'

FlyUSA Launches 'Freedom Jet Card'

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

Partners announce joint software integration initiative

Leon and UAS Seek to Streamline Trip Management

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

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

In this article

Global 5000 and 6000 Series

Luxaviation Management Company S.A.

More In Charter & Fractional