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

Cessna Citation 560XL, Excel, XL, XLS, and Ascend

Charles Alcock

EASA has issued type certification for Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada’s PW545D engine that powers Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation Ascend. The European air safety regulator confirmed the approval on December 18 at the end of a 20-month process that started when the manufacturer filed its application in April 2022.&nbsp;The engine received Transport Canada and FAA type certification in July.
Textron Aviation is aiming to complete type certification and service entry for the Ascend this year, having launched the midsized twinjet in May 2023. The aircraft's pair of PW545D turbofans are expected to deliver improved fuel efficiency for the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-22/citation-ascend-preps-service-entry-2025">latest member of the Citation 560XL family</a> through improvements over the earlier PW545 engines to the high-pressure compressor, single-stage turbine module, and exhaust mixer.
The 4,200-pound-thrust PW545D is the largest and most powerful member of the PW500-series turbofans. P&amp;WC's PW545C already powers the Citation XLS+, while the the -A and -B models are on the Excel and XLS, respectively.
According to Pratt &amp; Whitney, the PW545D will be able to operate with a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel. The engine supports the manufacturer’s Flight, Acquisition, Storage, and Transmission health monitoring and diagnostics system. Operators using this technology who are enrolled in the Eagle Service Plan hourly maintenance program will have access to the 6,000-hour time-between-overhaul option.

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

EASA Certifies PW545D Turbofan for Cessna Citation Ascend Business Jet

European approval follows Transport Canada and FAA nods in July 2024

The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D turbofan has achieved EASA type certification as it prepares to enter service this year on Textron's Citation Ascend twinjet.

EASA OKs PW545D Turbofan for Cessna Citation Ascend

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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.

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.

APU provides power options for helicopter and airplanes

PBS Velka Bites Celebrates 1,500th APU Produced

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

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

Concept involves "supporting role" for batteries during some operational phases

Airbus Taps BAE For Micro-Hybridization Energy Storage

Kerry Lynch

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.

Location incorporates upgraded former NAS equipment at Cecil Airport

Hermeus Brings the HEAT with Hypersonic Test Facility

Textron eAviation subsidiary has long been deep into propulsion R&D

Pipistrel Advances Hydrogen, Hybrid, and Electric Power Options

Mark Huber

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.

In this article

Cessna Citation 560XL, Excel, XL, XLS, and Ascend

Pratt & Whitney

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Textron eAviation subsidiary has long been deep into propulsion R&D

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A range of traditional and new technologies are in the works for a variety of capabilities

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No major business aviation OEMs have yet committed to hydrogen propulsion

Elfly Will Distribute Electric BR23 Training Aircraft in Nordic Countries

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

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