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

Farnborough Airport is now generating a quarter of its power needs from an extensive network of 4,000 solar panels installed on buildings throughout the London-area business aviation gateway. The recently completed installation will also provide power for the airport's fleet of electric vehicles.
The solar panels have been fitted on the roofs of Farnborough’s distinctive curved hangars, as well as on the terminal building, the air traffic control tower, and the Aviator hotel. These can deliver more than 1,700 kWp of installed power capacity annually, generating more than 1.2 Gigawatt hours of clean energy each year.
The investment in solar power is part of the privately owned airport’s effort to achieve carbon-neutral status no later than 2030. The photovoltaic installation is expected to generate more than 36 Gigawatt hours of energy over its working life, offsetting more than 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the process.
“In line with our ambition to become a sustainability showcase for airports around the world, we’re proud to have partnered with solar technology pioneers [at] Solivus to install one of our largest rooftop solar projects in the region,” said Farnborough Airport CEO Simon Geere. “The solar installation is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability objectives, significantly reducing our controllable emissions, as set out in our Net Zero Roadmap, in which we have committed to be net zero by 2030 or sooner.”
In 2018, Farnborough became the first business aviation airport to achieve Carbon Neutral 3+ status. Earlier this year, under the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, it raised its status to 4+.
In 2021, it started offering aircraft operators sustainable aviation fuel, and during the following year’s Farnborough International Airshow it sold SAF for the same price as jet-A.

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

Solar Panels Are Now Generating 25% of Farnborough Airport's Electric Power 

4,000 solar panels have been fitted on buildings across the London-area facility

Solar panels at Farnborough Airport can deliver 1.2 Gigawatt hours of clean energy as part of the business aviation gateway's effort to be carbon neutral.

Solar Generates 25% of Farnborough's Electric Power

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

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.

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

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.

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In this article

Farnborough Airport

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