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

Gama Aviation’s aircraft management and charter business unit now holds a Maltese air operator certificate (AOC). The Farnborough-based group announced the addition to its collection of operating certificates on Tuesday at MEBAA 2024, confirming that this is its first EASA AOC since the UK’s Brexit departure from the European Union (EU).
Three of Gama’s managed aircraft will now be moved to the Maltese AOC, giving them full access to the EU charter market. These include a Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global.
“We see Malta as an important part of our new aircraft management and charter strategy providing full access to commercial operations within Europe,” said Graham Williamson, managing director of the Gama division. “Our clients are afforded the choice between the UK, UAE, Bermuda, Cayman, Isle of Man and now Malta to register their aircraft, with each AOC having a subtly different mix of benefits.
“As we build the fleet, having this non-prescriptive approach to which AOC the aircraft is deployed on, allows our clients to make best use of their aircraft for either personal or commercial use.”
Gama has four other divisions: FBO; maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); special missions; and technology and outsourcing.
<h2>New Mobile Service Team</h2>
On the opening day at MEBAA,, Gama also announced the launch of its mobile service team (MST) and a line maintenance station at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport. The MST will operate from both that airport and Sharjah International Airport, where Gama plans to open its new business aviation center by June. The Sharjah <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-11-20/gama-aviation-progresses-new-sharjah-fbo">facility provides a new FBO option</a>&nbsp;located around a 20-minute drive from both downtown Dubai and the financial district.
The MST is approved to support Bombardier Global Express and Challenger aircraft, as well as the Embraer 135/145/ERJ models and Textron’s King Air families, that are registered in the UAE, Bermuda, Cayman, UK, or San Marino.
“This is a natural extension of the MRO services we will be delivering from our business aviation center in Sharjah replicating the same ‘hub and spoke’ MST service model that we successfully developed in the U.S.,” said Paul Kinch, managing director of the MRO business unit. “While our initial focus will be the business aviation hubs situated along the corridor between Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, we aim to extend the network to other emirates and beyond over the next couple of years.”
This year, Gama has won new helicopter support contracts in Kuwait and Bahrain. Its Embraer-authorized service center has been approved for additional MRO capabilities for the Phenom 300 and Legacy 600/650.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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