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

Implementation of the European Union’s new digital border control process appears to be taking longer than anticipated, with some airports delaying the use of technology to collect biometric data for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area. Rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) process started in October and is supposed to be fully operational in 29 states by April 10.
From January 16, the European Commission (EC) has expected at least 35% of non-EU travelers to be using the system, which requires an initial enrollment using machines in airport border control areas. However, several airports, including Lisbon in Portugal, have suspended implementation after experiencing severe delays in processing airline passengers. The rules apply to some business aircraft flights.&nbsp;
According to the European branch of Airports Council International, border control processing times have increased by around 70% at locations where EES is in use, with waiting times of up to three hours during peak travel periods. The EC has insisted that the process is largely going smoothly and has shown no willingness to push back the April 10 mandate for full implementation.
In tandem with EES, which records when passengers enter and exit the Schengen Area, the EU is also preparing to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the fourth quarter of this year. This is similar to the U.S. ESTA visa waiver program and requires travelers to verify their right to enter on this basis no earlier than 48 hours prior to arrival.
<h2>Part 135 Ops Must Comply</h2>
In addition to airlines, the EES and ETIAS requirements apply to all Part 135 commercial charter flights, with the onus being on the operator to ensure all passengers are compliant. However, according to a guide issued by the OpsGroup on January 16, there remains some potential confusion among business aircraft operators.
Earlier this month, the EU issued new guidance on the distinction between different categories of private flight. This came from the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice (<a href="https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/activities/carriers">EU-LISA</a>).
The EES process covers 25 of the EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. ETIAS will also apply to Cyprus, which is an EU member but not part of the Schengen border control area.
According to information released by the OpsGroup, privately operated flights that are not open for public use, with a crew hired directly by the aircraft owner, do not need to comply with EES and ETIAS obligations. By contrast, flights involving private aircraft managed by a professional operator or by a commercial charter operator are covered by the new border control requirements, even if the flights are not open for public use.
“Therefore, if you transport solely the owners of the plane and their guests, you will not need to register with EU-LISA,” the OpsGroup guide’s author, David Mumford, reported. He added that several operators have chosen to register for the process even if the nature of their flights would not require it, simply because it provides a way to confirm passenger documentation to ensure a smooth arrival process.

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

Doubts Raised over Implementation of New EU Border Control Processes

Requirements apply to some but not all business aircraft flights

The European Union has insisted that implementation of new digital border controls must be completed in April, despite reports of airport delays.

Doubts Raised over EU Border Control Rule Changes

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

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.

European permissions augment FAA approvals received in 2023 and 2024 

Gulfstream G500, G600 Get EASA Steep-approach Nods

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

 Upcoming vertiport to include provision for future eVTOL aircraft 

Skyports and Linden Plan Heliport At Miami's Watson Island

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

Based aircraft have relocated to other Dutch airports

Business Aircraft Now Banned from Eindhoven Airport

Infrastructure development underway in the UAE, among other countries

Laying the Foundations for eVTOL Air Taxi Services 

Curt Epstein

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.

Measure is positioned as a means of airport self sufficiency

Mesa Ponders Adding Falcon Field Landing Fees

Gordon Gilbert

Customs is available at all three FBOs at Vancouver 

Bizav To See More Customs Flexibility at Vancouver

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

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South Florida infrastructure push coincides with new military partnerships

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