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

Next week, PrivatPort will mark the official opening of its new Mexican FBOs&nbsp;at Cancún International Airport (MMUN) and Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (MMTL), which serve nearby tourist resorts on the Riviera Maya coast. The two sites are among the new FBOs that the group—a newly spun-off business aviation subsidiary of airline ground handler Swissport—is adding to a network that includes private aviation support at another 84 airports worldwide.
Desigen Vythilingum, PrivatPort’s newly appointed chief commercial officer, told AIN that the company is now seeking to convince operators to try the high level of care it says it can deliver through a more focused approach to business aviation. The group also named Aldo Salzillo chief operating officer this week.
The other FBOs are in Geneva; Auckland and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand; and the Moroccan cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier. Many PrivatPort teams around the globe formerly operated under the Swissport Executive brand.
According to Vythilingum, there is plenty of opportunity for “granular, organic growth” at the locations now under the PrivatPort umbrella. “Many of our [Swissport] employees had significant passenger service experience and wanted to get into providing this level of service,” he commented.
<h2>Dubai Operations Center</h2>
At the heart of the network is PrivatPort’s new flight operations control center (OCC) in Dubai. The facility provides operators with 24/7 global support, and a single point of contact can arrange all aspects of service wherever needed.
Vythilingum said the team there can provide clients with all the help they might normally entrust to a trip support group. He recently moved to PrivatPort after working for UAS International Trip Support.
PrivatPort’s local handling teams are now providing their OCC colleagues with all the information they need from across the airport network to be able to accurately guide operators on what can be delivered. The company said business aviation traffic levels have remained fairly consistent this year, though aircraft types have fluctuated by region, with operators deploying some smaller jets to make trips more cost-effective.
The group has some ambitions to provide service in other parts of North America. However, with the FBO sector in the U.S. “very saturated with brands,” Vythilingum said this growth might come about through a partnership model, and discussions are now progressing with various parties.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

PrivatPort Brings Its FBO Network to Cancún and Tulum

Swissport spinoff adds two Mexico FBOs and names new leaders

With nine FBOs and business aviation ground support at 84 other locations, PrivatPort says it can offer a compelling alternative to airline handling options.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

Company’s new customer rebate program makes its show debut

Atlantic Aviation Ascends at NBAA-BACE

Kerry Lynch

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.

The company recently added two more hangars and poured more concrete for ramp space

Business Jet Rapidly Expanding Footprint at Love Field

The multimillion-dollar project will greatly increase the company’s capabilities

California FBO/MRO Desert Jet Begins Major Expansion

Amy Wilder

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.

Station is Bombardier’s 11th worldwide, second in Australia

Bombardier Adds Line Maintenance Station in Sydney

Sessions covered leadership, safety, and customer experience

Paragon Network FBOs Trade Best Practices in Denver

The company operates a full-service FBO at nearby KXNX

Jet Access Opens New Hangar Complex in Nashville 

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

NBAA-BACE 2026

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Atlantic Aviation Ascends at NBAA-BACE

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The new structure is expected to open in November

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The chain’s Australia FBOs secured Stage 3 in 2022

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