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

The Airways Aviation Academy at Montpellier-Méditerranée International Airport (LFMT) will start a court-ordered liquidation process on Friday. The flight school’s Dubai-based owner confirmed the impending closure, saying it was as a direct result of losses caused by a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-12-17/flight-school-makes-statement-montpellier-arson-attack">suspected arson attack</a> on May 20, 2025, that destroyed three of its Diamond DA42 aircraft and damaged 10 others.
According to Airways Aviation Group, the company and its shareholders have expended significant funds, energy, and management resources to try to keep the school open and support students and staff. “Despite these sustained efforts, and notwithstanding the company’s continued commitment, the court has decided to proceed with the closure and liquidation of the French entity,” it said in a written statement.
The company said it is “the victim of a catastrophic criminal act, compounded by significant operational deficiencies that are now subject of formal legal proceedings.” The group’s main shareholder is working with the court-appointed liquidator to make a legal claim against the airport owner.
“We recognize that this decision has serious consequences for students, employees, instructors, and creditors, and we express our sincere regret and empathy for the uncertainty and disruption they face,” the company stated. It indicated that efforts are ongoing to explore “alternative training pathways or transition solutions for affected students and cadets.”

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

Suspected Arson Forces Liquidation of French Flight Academy In Marseille

Airways Aviation Group said it is seeking solutions for students

Airways Aviation Academy in Marseille is set to start court-ordered liquidation on January 23, having failed to recover from a suspected arson attack last May.

Suspected Arson Forces Liquidation of Flight Academy

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sheryl Barden

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.

Making and maintaining industry connections is essential

AINsight: Staying Connected Is Part of the Job

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

NIAR programs cited as key drivers

Wichita State Tops NSF Aerospace R&D Rankings

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

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

European rotorcraft pilot training group attracts new investment

Private Equity Group Buys Majority Stake in Coptersafety

Hanneke Weitering

Second simulator will arrive later this year

CAE Delivers First eVTOL Simulator to Joby’s Pilot Academy

Jessica Reed

People in Aviation — January 2026

U.S. controller staffing down as hiring and traffic rose, GAO delved into why

GAO Urges FAA To Set, Better Assess ATC Hiring Metrics

Charlotte Bailey

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.

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

More In Training and Workforce

AINsight: Staying Connected Is Part of the Job

Making and maintaining industry connections is essential

Wichita State Tops NSF Aerospace R&D Rankings

NIAR programs cited as key drivers

Private Equity Group Buys Majority Stake in Coptersafety

European rotorcraft pilot training group attracts new investment

CAE Delivers First eVTOL Simulator to Joby’s Pilot Academy

Second simulator will arrive later this year

People in Aviation — January 2026

People in Aviation — January 2026

GAO Urges FAA To Set, Better Assess ATC Hiring Metrics

U.S. controller staffing down as hiring and traffic rose, GAO delved into why

Europe’s Aero Excellence Supply-chain Initiative Expands

Program is intended to encourage companies to boost their supply-chain maturity

AINsight: Why You Need a Year-end Debrief

Reflect on your wins before next year’s pressures take over

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