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

Air India on Monday confirmed it has grounded one of its Boeing 787-9s after a pilot reported a possible defect with the fuel control system. In a company statement, a spokesperson confirmed that it has informed both India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Boeing of the issue.
The statement added that the carrier has recently conducted checks on fuel control switches in all of its Dreamliner widebodies following the June 2025 fatal accident after takeoff from Ahmedabad. “No issues were found during those inspections,” the company said.
The grounded aircraft (VT-ANX) had completed flight AI 132 from London to Bengaluru when one of the pilots reported an apparent issue with the fuel control switch’s locking mechanism. Boeing confirmed that it is working with the airline to support “their review of this matter.”
Air India operates 33 Dreamliners, including 7 -9 models and 26 of the -8 variant. It is due to receive more 787-9s this year as part of an extensive fleet modernization plan.
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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Air India Grounds One 787-9 After Pilot Reports Fuel Switch Error 

Pilot reported concern after flight from London to Bengaluru 

On Monday, Air India reported a possible issue with a fuel switch lock on one of its 787-9s to India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Boeing. 

Air India Grounds One 787-9 After Fuel Switch Report

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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.

How to calculate an aircraft fuel load that is just right

AINsight: Goldilocks Approach to Aircraft Fuel Planning

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Two of nine specialist centers worldwide are now supplying upgraded information 

ICAO Introduces New and Improved Volcanic Ash Forecast 

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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.

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Multinational team of aviation experts recognized as ‘Qualified Entity’ by European regulator 

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Safety was a common challenge across transportation modes

Watchdog Cites Safety, ATC Updates as Top FAA Challenges

Amy Wilder

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

FAA, Textron Aviation, and NBAA urged to act

Seven Urgent NTSB Actions Target Hawker Stall Tests

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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.

Ground accidents all too common across operations

Expert Opinion: Taxiing Hazards and Letting Your Guard Down

Matt Thurber

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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