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

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

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

The 10th edition of the MEBAA show is set to open at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport on Tuesday, with 145 exhibitors seeking to capitalize on private aviation growth across the Middle East and Africa. The biennial event running from December 10 to 12 is organized by the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) and is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors from 95 countries.
MEBAA’s expanded conference agenda reflects the rapid pace of change since the show launched two decades ago, addressing pressing matters such as environmental sustainability and technological advances that will be presented by 55 senior industry leaders in the BizAv Talks program. The 2024 show also features new elements such as the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion, the Startup Hub, and the Luxury Boulevard.
“The business aviation sector continues to experience significant growth, fuelled by rising demand for flexible travel solutions and technological advancements,” said Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, MEBAA’s founding and executive chairman. “In our region, the influx of high-net-worth individuals, its strategic location, investments in infrastructure, and rising numbers of business jet movements and deliveries is helping the Middle East maintain its position as one of the fastest growing markets globally.”
Leading aircraft manufacturers will be prominent at the static display, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, and Textron. The lineup, which includes some companies who skipped this year's EBACE and NBAA-BACE shows, also features major operators and service provides such as Qatar Executive, Royal Jet, VistaJet, Falcon Aviation, Comlux, Aloula Aviation, and Saudia Private Aviation.
Show organizers have promised personalized networking opportunities through its MEBAA Connect app and “AI-powered matchmaking.” The NextGen program will include participation by 500 students.
Recent traffic data <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-11-28/us-leads-global-business-jet-activity-growth">released by WingX</a> showed business jet departures from airports in the Middle East increasing by 8% at a time when decline has been recorded in some other regions. Honeywell’s most recent Global Business Aviation Outlook shows the Middle East outpacing fleet growth rates elsewhere, albeit with activity levels somewhat dented by ongoing conflicts.
According to Honeywell's analysts, of 832 aircraft in the region, 54% are operated out of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and South Africa. The company sees further expansion of demand for new-production aircraft driven by the prevalence of high-net-worth individuals in this part of the world.
AIN Media Group will publish editions each day at the MEBAA show. Full news coverage will also be available on a dedicated show landing page at <a href="http://www.ainonline.com">AINonline</a>.

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.

MEBAA Show Support Reflects Middle East Business Aviation Market Growth

10th biennial event will open in Dubai on December 10

Organizers said the 2024 MEBAA business aviation show in Dubai is set to feature 145 exhibiting companies with about 10,000 visitors from 95 countries.

MEBAA Show Support Reflects Middle East Market Growth

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Beta's Alia CX300 CTOL was born from Alia 250 eVTOL program

Beta Technologies Flies First Production Alia CX300 CTOL Electric Aircraft

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.

Company moved wing production to its Savannah-based manufacturing facility in 2012

Gulfstream Marks 1,000th Wing since Savannah Move

Curt Epstein

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.

General aviation industry is experiencing stability, according to the latest data

GAMA: Bizjet Deliveries, Billings Up through 3Q 2024

Matt Thurber

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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

Move could signal development of a new super-midsize jet

Honeywell, Bombardier Settle Dispute, Sign Tech Pact

These advanced safety features make this already-unique single engine jet stand out.

Flying Privately: Explaining the Cirrus Vision Jet's Parachute and Autoland Features

Mark Huber

2024 was marked by the certifications of the G700 and unveiling of the next generation of CJs

Aircraft in 2024: Bigger, Better, Bolder

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

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.

In this article

Gulfstream

Bombardier

Dassault

Textron Aviation

Embraer Executive Aircraft

Comlux

Qatar Executive

More In Aircraft

Beta Technologies Flies First Production Alia CX300 CTOL Electric Aircraft

Beta's Alia CX300 CTOL was born from Alia 250 eVTOL program

Gulfstream Marks 1,000th Wing since Savannah Move

Company moved wing production to its Savannah-based manufacturing facility in 2012

GAMA: Bizjet Deliveries, Billings Up through 3Q 2024

General aviation industry is experiencing stability, according to the latest data

Honeywell, Bombardier Settle Dispute, Sign Tech Pact

Move could signal development of a new super-midsize jet

Flying Privately: Explaining the Cirrus Vision Jet's Parachute and Autoland Features

These advanced safety features make this already-unique single engine jet stand out.

Aircraft in 2024: Bigger, Better, Bolder

2024 was marked by the certifications of the G700 and unveiling of the next generation of CJs

Finish Line Still Eludes Advanced Air Mobility Rush

Key milestones set for 2024 and 2025 now appear to be in doubt

Business Jet Market Stable Heading into 2025

OEMs finish out year with strong order books

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN