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

Private charter platform Victor has launched a flight booking app in Arabic aimed at clients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Announcing the new service on Tuesday, the group said the app is the first of its kind to use the Arabic language.
According to Victor, which moved its headquarters from the UK to Abu Dhabi in April 2024, an influx of more high-net-worth-individuals in the UAE is driving a spike in demand for charter flights. Over the past seven months, the company has seen a 166% hike in bookings from clients based in the country and values the MENA private aviation market at $2 billion.
Victor claimed its apps are different from others in the charter market by allowing end users to see the name of the operator, the aircraft tail number, and photos of the actual aircraft in quotes before they book. It also gives clients the option to pay extra to replace jet-A with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by Neste.
<h2>SAF Option For Green Travelers</h2>
The SAF option is offered through Victor's "Pay Here Use There" plan, which is similar to "book and claim" terms. However, Victor connects clients directly with SAF suppliers so there is no mark-up on the transaction. In the UK, the company has called for the government to scrap <a href="https://live.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-31/uk-plans-50-tax-hike-business-jet-charter-passengers">newly increased air passenger duties</a> for private jet passengers who pay for SAF.
“Our new Arabic app has been built in response to the surge in demand we are seeing from clients in the region and their frustration with the current jet charter booking process,” said Victor co-CEO James Farley. “In the Middle East booking a private flight remains an opaque process. With our unrivalled level of transparency, Victor app users will benefit from quotes that reflect the best options in the market.”
Victor also runs a Client Preferred Operator program through which clients rate operators and this feedback is amalgamated from thousands of bookings. The new app also offers dynamic operator pricing and real-time updates when “client preferred” operators upload new prices. The Victor Deals feature proposes discounted fares on some routes that, unlike empty leg flights, are not subject to cancellation at the last minute.

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

Victor Launches Arabic Charter Flight Booking App

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Responding to a 166% spike in charter demand in the UAE alone, Victor has launched a Arabic language version of its flight booking app.

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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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.

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