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

Korea Airport Corp. (KAC) and its partner Avjet Asia expect to complete construction of a new FBO at Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport by December 2015, and to officially open the new facility in April 2016. The Gimpo Business Aviation Center, which will effectively be the first purpose-built FBO in South Korea, will include a passenger terminal with customs and immigration controls and a large hangar that can accommodate up to eight large jets simultaneously.

 


Avjet Asia will manage the FBO under an agreement made with KAC in December 2013, providing all standard ground handling services. In the future, the Seoul-based subsidiary of U.S. private aviation group Avjet Corp., may consider partnerships to expand the range of services the facility offers to include aircraft maintenance.

 


In addition to attracting traffic specifically operating in and out of South Korea, Avjet Corp. chairman and CEO Marc Foulkrod believes the new FBO will become a popular transit stop for business aviation traffic in northeast Asia. “People are still having a lot of difficulty [operating] in China and Seoul is less than a two hour flight to Beijing and also convenient for Hong Kong,” he told AIN. “South Korea is English-speaking and a much easer place [to do business] than China. Some people are pulling their aircraft out of China and basing them elsewhere.”

 


Gimpo International Airport is located just nine miles west of the Seoul’s downtown district. The South Korean capital’s main gateway, Incheon International Airport, is 30 miles from the city center.

 


Here at the ABACE show, Avjet (Booth P123) will be displaying detailed images showing what the new FBO will offer. The company is also involved in aircraft sales, charter and management. It will also be represented at the show by Avjet Asia president Wook-Sang Cho. o

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

Korea’s First FBO Is Under Construction In Seoul

Korean Airport Corp. has partnered with Avjet Asia to build an FBO at Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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

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.

Airport last owned the facility in the early 2000s

Illinois Airport Reacquires Sole Service Provider

The complex is viewed as the cornerstone of an aviation conglomerate

Major Las Vegas Hangar Complex Changes Hands

Projects totaled more than $5 million in infrastructure development

Oklahoma Airport Gets More Hangars, Upgraded Ramp

The facility will lean heavily towards sustainability

Clay Lacy Aviation Starts Construction on New KSNA FBO

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

ABACE Convention News 2015

More In FBOs

Illinois Airport Reacquires Sole Service Provider

Airport last owned the facility in the early 2000s

Major Las Vegas Hangar Complex Changes Hands

The complex is viewed as the cornerstone of an aviation conglomerate

Oklahoma Airport Gets More Hangars, Upgraded Ramp

Projects totaled more than $5 million in infrastructure development

Clay Lacy Aviation Starts Construction on New KSNA FBO

The facility will lean heavily towards sustainability

NATA Panel Examines FBO Preparation for eVTOL Service

OEMs and FBOs talk about how electric aircraft can be accommodated at FBOs

NATA Conference Panel Examines FBO Consolidation

While the big chains take a more selective approach, others remain hungry

Atlantic Aviation Gets Lease Renewal Approval in Aspen

The decision is the latest in a nearly two-year saga at the airport

Clay Lacy Aviation Gets Nod for Sun Valley FBO

Construction is expected to begin next year

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