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

Airbus and multiple partners have begun new work aimed at using hybrid-electric power for non-propulsive purposes on next generation airliners. The Large Scale Integration Demonstrator of Hybrid Electrical Architecture (LEIA) project will focus on how to generate and distribute electrical power for various onboard systems, such as cockpit avionics, satellite communications, cabin lighting and air conditioning, and galleys for warming food
LEIA, which has funding from the European Union Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is intended to prepare high-voltage systems for future integration and certification, with Airbus explaining this week that the work will bridge the gap “between component-level innovation and aircraft-level maturity.” The project builds on the earlier SWITCH program for hybrid-electric powertrain sub-systems, which concluded earlier this month when Collins Aerospace completed integrated laboratory testing as part of research and development efforts also involving Pratt &amp; Whitney, GKN Aerospace and MTU Aero Engines.
In addition to Airbus, the LEIA project also involved the following partners: AVL, Collins Aerospace, the European Aerospace Science Network, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Liebherr Aerospace, Lynxeo, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre, Safran, SAFT, the University of Warwick in the UK, and Poland’s Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.

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.

Airbus-led LEIA Project Advances Hybrid-Electric Power For Aircraft Systems

EU-backed R&D builds on just-completed SWITCH program

The Large Scale Integration Demonstrator of Hybrid Electrical Architecture program is focused on non-propulsive systems for next-generation airliners.

LEIA Project Advances Hybrid-Electric Power For Aircraft Systems

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

CEO Eric Trappier cites stricter standards for all-new-aircraft designs

Dassault Falcon 10X Service Entry Slips from 2027 to 2029

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Fourth member of international program will gain ‘privileged’ access 

Canada Joins GCAP Fighter Program as First Observer Nation

Kerry Lynch

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.

Companies signed long-term agreement

FDH Aero, GKN Forge Long-term Partnership

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.

Fleet is expanding as new funding round supports growth

Elixir Expanding Features, Developing Turbine Airplane

Cristofer Slotoroff

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

More In Aircraft

Dassault Falcon 10X Service Entry Slips from 2027 to 2029

CEO Eric Trappier cites stricter standards for all-new-aircraft designs

Canada Joins GCAP Fighter Program as First Observer Nation

Fourth member of international program will gain ‘privileged’ access

FDH Aero, GKN Forge Long-term Partnership

Companies signed long-term agreement

Elixir Expanding Features, Developing Turbine Airplane

Fleet is expanding as new funding round supports growth

BermudAir and Flynas Place Airbus Orders

Saudi low-cost carrier’s firm Airbus commitment climbs to 235 aircraft

Turkish Aerospace Readies for Next Step in Kaan Flight Tests

First deliveries anticipated in 2028

Radia CEO’s Business Case for WindRunner Cargo Concept

Assembly of the first aircraft expected to start in 2029

Typhoon Rapidly Gains Anti-drone Capability

Laser-guided APKWS light rocket rapidly adapted for air-to-air use

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