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

U.S. energy group Solena is accelerating its efforts to establish a plant in the London area that from 2014 could be turning 500,000 metric tons of domestic waste into jet fuel each year. Its <a href="?q=node/25518">GreenSky program</a> has already attracted its first customer in British Airways, which has committed to buying the new factory’s complete annual output as part of its goal to halve its total carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The carrier has said that the initial output from Solena should produce enough fuel to operate all of its flights out of London City Airport. 
The process involves putting biomass made from waste into high-temperature gasifiers to create a synthetic “fuel gas” from the thermal conversion of hydrocarbons. Biofuel will be made from this “fuel gas,” which will be blended with 50-percent jet-A kerosene. Gases arising from the conversion process will be used to generate electricity or steam for heating systems. The process also promises to reduce landfill bills for local communities and avoid generating the methane that results from landfills.
Meanwhile, British Airways and Rolls-Royce have invited fuel suppliers to participate in tests to evaluate alternative aviation fuels in a study to seek practical alternatives to jet-A. The two companies have requested samples for possible laboratory and rig trials and, ultimately, tests on a Rolls-Royce RB211-524G engine from a British Airways Boeing 747-400. If sufficient volumes of candidate fuels become available, tests would be carried out on a Rolls-Royce indoor engine testbed in the UK, which would generate more accurate data.

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

Solena’s GreenSky Turning Garbage into Green Jet Fuel

U.S.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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

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.

Project also includes Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Honeywell Aerospace, and American Airlines, plus MIT and University of Michigan

NASA Contracts Electra for AACES Sustainable Airliner Program

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

4,000 solar panels have been fitted on buildings across the London-area facility

Solar Generates 25% of Farnborough's Electric Power

Matt Thurber

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.

High-octane unleaded avgas is becoming more available in California

San Carlos Flight Center Adopts Unleaded Swift 100R

Curt Epstein

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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