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.”

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