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

Greek charter flight provider Hoper is adding a pair of leased Airbus helicopters— a five-seat AS355 Ecureuil 2 and six-seat H135—to its fleet to meet high demand in the summer vacation season. According to the Athens-based company, the twin-engine rotorcraft will be operated by companies within its network of operators. Hoper is a charter marketplace that arranges flights in Greece, with a particular focus on services connecting Athens to coastal or island destinations such as Mykonos, Amanzoe, and Santorini.
“Our luxury hospitality partners Scott Dunn, Aman, Mandarin Oriental, and Original Senses share one thing: their clients fly in twin-engine only,” said Hoper chief commercial officer Dimitris Kossyfas. “We were already meeting that demand through third-party operators, so bringing our own twin-engine aircraft into the Hoper fleet was the natural next step.”
Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce engines, the AS355 Twin Squirrel has a range of 380 nm, with its large windows offering good views for tourists of the Aegean Sea. The H135 has a club-configured cabin and a range of 304 nm. They join a Hoper network that already uses a collection of Robinson, Bell, Airbus, and Leonardo helicopters.
Hoper also offers flights in France, Italy, and Switzerland, and already serves 15 destinations and more than 50 routes in Greece. In September, it plans to launch commercial operations in the U.S.

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

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