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

General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) has brought its new Do228 NXT special missions demonstrator aircraft to the Farnborough show weeks after rolling out the refitted airframe at the ILA Berlin show in June. In a major upgrade to the 1980s-era twin turboprop, the NXT features a new cabin and cockpit and gives prospective customers multiple equipment options.
In fact, this particular Do228 is coming home to the UK. For more than 40 years, the Dornier model was in service with various operators in the country, including regional airlines and fishery patrols. Most recently, it was owned by hydrogen-electric propulsion innovator ZeroAvia as a test aircraft based at Cotswold Airport.
Last month, GA-ATS announced that it has signed a contract with a launch customer for the NXT. It will be delivered to an undisclosed humanitarian group in early 2027.
GA-ATS holds the Do228 type certificate and offers various modifications. The flight deck now features four Universal Avionics flat-panel displays, a digital autopilot, and a flight management system that supports satellite-based precision approaches.
Powered by a pair of 776-shp Honeywell TPE331-10 engines driving MTV-27 five-blade propellers, the aircraft has a range of up to 1,340 nm with an 1,100-pound payload. It operates up to a 25,000-foot ceiling and has a maximum cruise speed of 240 knots.

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.

General Atomics Do228 NXT Demonstrator Debuts at Farnborough Show

Vintage twin turboprop has modernized cabin and cockpit

General Atomics AeroTec Systems is promoting modified versions of the Dornier 228 twin turboprop for multiple special-mission applications.

Do228 NXT Demonstrator Debuts at Farnborough Show

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

UK manufacturer confirms that Valo type certification is now expected in 2029

Vertical Makes eVTOL Flight Debut at Farnborough Show

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.

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.

More than 20 states are represented in the U.S. International Partnership Pavillon 

States Set Politics Aside To Pitch Aerospace Appeal

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 international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

McKinsey report says carriers may be fine with delivery delays

Slower Growth Reshapes Airline Outlook on Capacity

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Geopolitics accelerates military airlifter procurement

KC-390 Orders Push Embraer To Boost Output

Amy Wilder

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

More In Aircraft

Vertical Makes eVTOL Flight Debut at Farnborough Show

UK manufacturer confirms that Valo type certification is now expected in 2029

States Set Politics Aside To Pitch Aerospace Appeal

More than 20 states are represented in the U.S. International Partnership Pavillon

Slower Growth Reshapes Airline Outlook on Capacity

McKinsey report says carriers may be fine with delivery delays

KC-390 Orders Push Embraer To Boost Output

Geopolitics accelerates military airlifter procurement

Aerocor Guide Cuts Through Phenom 100 Market Noise

Guide available at no cost from Aerocor

Ukraine Confirms Order For 16 French Rafale Fighters

First four aircraft could be operational from 2028 following pilot training in France

Boeing Keeps an Open Mind on Open Fan as It Rebuilds 737 Output

BCA leader Stephanie Pope talks propulsion and production ahead of Farnborough

Amentum Sharpens Focus on UK Defense Objectives

Engineering specialist supports UK sovereign capability and logistics

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN