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

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

Rolls-Royce has quietly confirmed its exit from electric propulsion activities in the advanced air mobility sector. In a trading update released on November 7, the aircraft engines manufacturer mentioned the move in a one-line reference, without providing any details as to how the business unit will be shut down.
Group chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic announced plans to sell this part of its electrical power business during its Capital Markets Day event in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2023-11-28/rolls-royce-exit-electrical-propulsion-business">November 2023</a>. Since then,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2022-05-24/rolls-royce-sees-electric-aviation-future">Rolls-Royce</a> has not found a buyer and has not denied reports that the business unit is now being shut down, although work on hybrid-electric propulsion technology is expected to continue.
Rolls-Royce had been developing the electric propulsion system for Vertical Aerospace’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. After pulling out of the program last year, it had to pay $34 million in compensation to the UK start-up, which is now struggling to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-17/vertical-splits-stock-evtol-aircraft-developer-seeks-new">secure funding for its program</a>.
In November 2019, Rolls-Royce and partners achieved a world speed record with the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2021-11-19/rolls-royce-claims-world-speed-record-electric-spirit-innovation-flight">Spirit of Innovation</a> technology demonstrator aircraft. At the time, it seemed to have strong ambitions in the sector, having acquired <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2020-12-28/rolls-looks-beyond-e-fan-x-program-reassess-green-propulsion-priorities">Siemens' electric propulsion division</a>.
The closure of the electrical power unit is part of a wider restructuring that has seen Rolls-Royce sell its Naval Propulsors &amp; Handling business, Direct Air Capture assets, and the lower-power-range engines business of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. The trading update said that the company has launched “new purpose and behaviors across the organization.”
Projected underlying operating profits for 2024 are expected to be in line with previously declared expectations of between £2.1 billion and £2.3 billion (about $3 billion). Free cash flow for the year is expected to be between £2.1 billion and £2.2 billion.
The company said that demand has remained strong in the civil aerospace sector. Flight activity for large airliner turbofans now slightly exceeds pre-Covid 2019 levels, with 18% year-on-year growth reported through the end of October. It expects to have delivered between 500 and 550 engines by year-end, with between 1,300 and 1,400 maintenance, repair, and overhaul shop visits on the books.
In the business aviation sector, the new Pearl 10X engine for Dassault’s Falcon 10X recently completed the flying testbed phase of its development program. The aircraft is due to enter service in 2027.

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

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Business Unit

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

After failing to find a buyer, Rolls-Royce confirmed it has now closed the electric propulsion business unit focused on new eVTOL aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

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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.

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 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 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.

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