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

Brazilian competition regulator Cade on Wednesday approved&nbsp;Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 10 percent stake in the Latam Airlines Group. The transaction involves a $613 million capital increase through the issuance of new shares at a price of $10 per share. The infusion will relieve financial pressure on the Latin American carrier, which has seen demand decline significantly during Brazil’s continuing recession.

 


A combination of Brazilian and Chilean flagcarriers Tam and Lan, respectively, Latam ranks South America's largest airline. It becomes the second OneWorld alliance member in which Qatar Airways has made a significant investment. Qatar already holds a 15-percent stake in British Airways parent International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) resulting from three separate share buys following its initial 9.99 percent acquisition in January 2015. &nbsp;

 


Meanwhile, the Brazilian parliament continues to debate proposed legislation that could permit further foreign investment in the country’s airlines. Cade approved the Qatar deal, announced in July, without any restrictions.

 


Qatar’s move to buy into Latam appears consistent with the Middle Eastern carrier’s intentions to keep pace with the growth of its two big Gulf area competitors with a strategy not unlike that adopted by Etihad Airways, which participates in equity partnerships with seven other airlines around the world. Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker has alluded to plans to take ownership stakes in at least two other major carriers, apart from its planned acquisition of 49 percent of Italy’s Meridiana in January.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

Brazilian Government Clears the Way for Qatar Stake in Latam

Qatar Airways is buying a 10 percent holding in Latam.

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.

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

Britain's new government is under pressure to invest in public infrastructure

How Regional Air Mobility Could Boost the UK's Strained Transport Network

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

Danish charter and scheduled operator could buy up to 15 of the electric seaplanes

Nordic Seaplanes Signs for Elfly's Noemi Electric Amphibious Aircraft

Odys' blown-wing design is being developed for both uncrewed freighter and piloted airliner roles

Fiji Airways Plans To Connect Pacific Islands with Laila VTOL

Scotland-based regional airline aims to achieve zero carbon emissions

Loganair and Heart Team To Decarbonize UK Domestic Flights

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

UK green start-up airline wants to operate domestic services with zero carbon emissions

Ecojet Plans To Operate Arc Aerosystems' Linx P9 Hybrid Helicopter

Cathy Buyck

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.

The Boeing electronic flight bag solution will support the low-cost carrier’s 737NG and Max fleet

Ryanair to Use Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro 5.0 EFB 

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

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