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 Helicopters and Leonardo have both enjoyed a flurry of new business this week, logging orders for dozens of new helicopters. Most of the announcements, which also include support and training deals, were made during the European Rotors show in Amsterdam.
Østnes Helicopters, which is the official distributor for Airbus in the Nordic countries, signed a contract for 10 H125s. These will join a fleet of more than 150 examples of the single-engine model in the region.
Also announced on Wednesday was a framework agreement between Airbus Helicopters and French operator Airtelis, which is buying up to five H145s. These helicopters will be operated by its subsidiary Oya Vendée Hélicoptères, which provides support flights for the offshore wind industry.
Leasing group GDHF signed a framework agreement with Leonardo to add 10 more AW189s to its portfolio. It expects the twin-engine aircraft to be deployed in the energy industry support sector with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2029.
UK-based Offshore Helicopter Services is expanding its North Sea fleet through a deal to buy a pair of AW139 intermediate twins. These aircraft are set to enter service in the second quarter of 2026.
Italy's National Fire Corps inked an agreement to boost its mountain rescue and firefighting fleet with an order for specially-equipped AW139 helicopters. Deliveries will start in 2025, adding to an existing fleet of 28 of the type.
Bristow Group signed a long-term support and training agreement with the manufacturer covering its AW139 and AW189 helicopters. This will involve a new AW139 full-flight simulator to be installed at the operator’s base in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is adding four more AW189s to its fleet in 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, during the Air Medical Transport Conference this week in Salt Lake City, Leonardo signed an agreement for Utah-based Intermountain Health to acquire a new AW109 GrandNew twin. The operator is also leasing an Enhanced Training Device Virtual Extended Reality system.
Global Medical Response has ordered 28 Airbus helicopters (six H125s, five H130s, and 14 H135s), which will bring its air medical fleet to nearly 200 Airbus helicopters.

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

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

European and U.S. operators, plus a leasing group, confirmed agreements for new Leonardo and Airbus helicopters, in addition to support and training deals.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

AmyWilder

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

Airbus Helicopters

Leonardo

More In Rotorcraft

Sikorsky Lengthens S-92 Inspection Intervals

Move will help increase availability and lower direct operating costs

Northern Rescue Growing Fleet to Five AW169 Helicopters

Shipment to New Zealand will take place next year after paint and upgrades

Fort Worth Police Buy Second Bell 505

Plans call for growing the department's public safety presence

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN