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

A <a href="https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/rapports/cion_fin/l17b3189_rapport-information.pdf">new report</a> from the French parliament’s general rapporteur of the finance committee has revealed a steep decline in activity by French-registered business jets in the wake of the so-called “solidarity tax” applied to charter flights. According to Philippe Juvin, who leads oversight of government finances for the National Assembly, French aircraft movements in the sector since last October have dipped by between 11% and 20% in each three-month period, while flights by foreign aircraft into French airports increased by between 3% and 4%.
The statistics lend weight to arguments made by the French chapter of the European Business Aviation Association. It has protested that French officials have focused on <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-05/french-business-aviation-group-demands-flight-tax-reform">applying the tax</a>, which can amount to up to €2,100 (about $2,400) per passenger, to French charter operators, while international competitors can easily avoid payment.
Juvin concluded that business aviation has suffered a disproportionately negative impact from <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-02-11/charter-flights-face-punitive-passenger-taxes-france">the tax</a> versus the airlines. He also said foreign-registered charter aircraft had increased their market share in France from 86% in early 2025 to 91% by mid-2026, resulting in a decline in overall tax revenues from French companies.
The report concluded that the solidarity tax has adversely impacted employment and transport connections in France. EBAA France said it will continue to campaign for reforms to the French government’s draft finance law for 2027 “to reverse this punitive tax and avoid the definitive disappearance of the French flag.”
Some French charter operators have chosen to register their fleets in other European Union countries such as Malta.

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

Parliamentary Report Says French Flight Tax Hits Charter Operators Hard

Movements by French charter jets have dipped between 11% and 20%

EBAA France says that figures released in a new report have proven its claim that charter operators have been unfairly impacted by a passenger flight tax.

French Flight Tax Hits Country’s Charter Operators Hard

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

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.

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