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

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the country’s transport officials to draw up plans to block the use of Russian airspace by European Union (EU) airlines for flights to and from Asia. The policy, confirmed in meetings with Russia’s transport department and the management of flag carrier Aeroflot on August 5, is part of a move by Russian President Vladimir Putin to instigate retaliatory action against the EU in response to its latest round of economic sanctions to protest Russia’s alleged support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. These sanctions, which took effect on August 1, resulted in the grounding of Aeroflot subsidiary <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-08-04/european-sanctions-ground-russias-dobrolet">Dobrolet</a> on August 4.


Shares in several European airlines, including Air France, International Airlines Group and Lufthansa, fell as reports of the planned ban first emerged. According to Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, the long-standing agreements covering overflight rights in airspace above Siberia reduce typical flights by 2,160 nm (4,000 km) and save European airlines as much as $30,000 on fuel costs for each sector.


A spokesman for the Association of European Airlines said that the group has “monitored press reports about potential Siberian overflight issues but has not received official information.” He said that AEA member airlines do not wish to comment publicly on the issue. The International Air Transport Association did not respond to AIN’s request for a comment.


On August 5, Putin told Russian news agencies that he had ordered government moves to prepare retaliatory measures against the EU. “Of course, it should be done carefully to support domestic producers and not hurt consumers,” he said in a statement.

Russia May Block Europe’s Carriers From Siberian Airspace

The Russian government is looking to stop European airlines from overflying Siberia on flights to and from Asia.

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