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

Wheels Up Experience has expanded the benefits offered for its Global Custom Enterprise Solutions (CES) private flight membership. On Thursday, the company announced changes to the frequent flyers program and said these will now be available in the U.S. and to clients in other parts of the world, including Europe, where its Air Partner charter brokering group arranges flights through a select group of operators.
The new and enhanced benefits will be available to new members committing to $500,000 or more in pre-funded flight hours. These include guaranteed availability of a “mission-capable” aircraft with a 48-hour booking and flight cancellation window in the U.S. and 72 hours in Europe. If a trip is disrupted by more than four hours beyond the planned departure time, customers receive a refund and also get a credit toward a subsequent flight.
CES members will also now have access to fixed flight-hour rates for a defined range of aircraft that Wheels Up said will make it easier for them to manage travel budgets and make their spending more predictable. They will be assigned a dedicated “global aviation expert” to provide personal support in managing travel arrangements.
New minimum flight hours per booking now apply, including the standard allowance for taxi time. For the company’s U.S. fleet, these are 1.2 hours for light and midsize jets, 1.7 hours for super-midsize jets, 2.5 hours for large jets, and 1.1 hours for King Air turboprops. In Europe, the minimum bookings are 1.5 hours for light and midsized jets and 1.75 hours for super-midsize aircraft.
The expanded benefits package also includes cargo services that could involve personal courier services or larger-scale moving solutions. With Air Partner’s involvement, Wheels Up can now offer flight bookings for groups of 200 or more passengers in the event that members need to do more complex travel planning.
The CES package now includes reduced flight hour minimums. Through Wheels Up’s primary shareholder, Delta Air Lines, members can now enjoy Delta Diamond and Medallion Status frequent-flyer perks.
“We are thrilled to introduce these expanded benefits to our Global Custom Enterprise Solutions members,” said Wheels Up chief commercial officer Dave Harvey. “These enhancements are a testament to our commitment to providing an unmatched level of service and flexibility in private aviation. Whether our members need guaranteed availability, personalized support, or fixed pricing, we are here to meet their needs with unparalleled solutions.”

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

Wheels Up Boosts Benefits for Frequent Flyer Members in U.S. and Europe

Improved terms apply for members committing to at least $500,000 in pre-funded flights 

Private flight provider Wheels Up said it now offers improved flexibility for trips booked in the U.S. and Europe with its Custom Enterprise Solutions program.

Wheels Up Boosts Benefits for Members in U.S. and Europe

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Chad Trautvetter

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.

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

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.

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.

With air operator certificate in hand, company hopes to make Bahrain a bizav hub

Valo Aviation Launches Bizav Ops in Bahrain

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.

"We're happy as a clam," says private jet broker.

'Uptick in Bookings' since Election Outcome

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

In this article

Wheels Up

More In Charter & Fractional

RoyalJet Adds Charter Base in Malaysia

Company spreads wings in Asia-Pacific region

Leviate Air Acquires Majority Share in Chairman Aviation

Dallas business aircraft services companies combine forces

Report Calls for Irish Advanced Air Mobility Network

eVTOL aircraft could carry workers, business leaders, and tourists

Valo Aviation Launches Bizav Ops in Bahrain

With air operator certificate in hand, company hopes to make Bahrain a bizav hub

'Uptick in Bookings' since Election Outcome

"We're happy as a clam," says private jet broker.

Brokers Express Optimism for Business Aviation in 2025

“I think you’ll see frustration released"

CJI Miami Kicks Off with Second Trump Era in Sight

"We've got to reintroduce ourselves on Capitol Hill."

FlyJets Taps Trip Requests To Offer Charter Discounts

'Phantom' empty legs can add up to savings for buyers and revenue for operators

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN