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

Brexit restrictions have prompted UK private jet operator Air Charter Scotland to secure a European Union (EU) air operator's certificate (AOC) in Malta. The company now has two of the 10 aircraft in its fleet on the Maltese register to be able to continue flying between the 27 EU states, which is no longer possible for UK operators.

 


The Glasgow-based company now has a Cessna Citation CJ3+ based in Malta and a Bombardier Challenger 350 at Nice in southern France. It also employs three flight crew residing in the EU to support these aircraft formerly based in the UK.

 


Malta has proved to be an attractive location for companies seeking EU registrations and AOCs. Of the 569 aircraft registered on the Mediterranean island, 168 are business jets owned by 37 different operators.

 


Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate has been active in attracting non-EU aircraft to its jurisdiction, with the promise of credible regulatory oversight and user-friendly administrative efficiency. “We set up the registry 10 years ago, but the last four years have become exceptionally busy and we now have to control the expansion,” said Charles Pace, director general of Transport Malta. He said 10 more operators are now seeking to add aircraft to the Maltese registry, including three more from the UK.

 


Air Charter Scotland said that it started working on the plan to establish an EU operation in mid-2018, two years after a UK referendum voted for the country to leave the EU, which happened at the end of January 2020. Following the end of a transition period on December 31, UK aircraft operators have no longer enjoyed full traffic rights and are also having to contend with complications resulting from the country’s departure from EASA.

 


“We determined late in 2019 it was a sensible step to embark upon to protect us from whatever obstacles Brexit would throw up operationally,” said Air Charter Scotland commercial director and accountable manager Derek Thomson. “We intend to have a third aircraft on the [Maltese] registry by April, giving us and our clients the utmost flexibility in being able to offer charter in the EU territories.”

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Scottish Operator Latest To Exit Brexit with EU AOC

Air Charter Scotland set up an air operators' certificate in EU member state Malta and has moved two aircraft out of the UK to avoid Brexit restrictions.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

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.

Deal marks expansion of Jet.AI’s fleet for 2026

Jet.AI Expands Fleet with Three Citation CJ4 Gen2 Jets

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.

U.S. start-up recently made a commitment to buy up to 116 of Archer's Midnight aircraft

Future Flight Global Targets Multiple eVTOL Aircraft Use Cases

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

New service is intended to bridge the gap when aircraft are being bought and sold

SkyBridge Offers Aircraft Sellers Use of Fractional Fleet

Sarah Rose

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.

Company aims to offer access to fleet

Jet Linx Links Up Customers with New Jet Card Program

Chad Trautvetter

Company spreads wings in Asia-Pacific region

RoyalJet Adds Charter Base in Malaysia

Dallas business aircraft services companies combine forces

Leviate Air Acquires Majority Share in Chairman Aviation

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

eVTOL aircraft could carry workers, business leaders, and tourists

Report Calls for Irish Advanced Air Mobility Network

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.

More In Charter & Fractional