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

Sherpa Air MRO is now an authorized dealer for Starlink connectivity for business aircraft. The South Carolina-based maintenance, repair and overhaul company announced the appointment on Monday, saying it is prioritizing Starlink installations that can be completed in a couple of weeks.
The Part 145 certified facility works on multiple aircraft types and has been <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-12-26/sherpa-air-preps-entry-bizav-maintenance">open since November 2023</a>. The provider also operates private charter flights and manages aircraft, including a Hawker 1000, for their owners. It also flies cargo and government special missions.&nbsp;
“Starlink is the standard for aviation connectivity,” said Sherpa Air president Paul Handakas. “The question for operators isn’t whether they want it; it’s how quickly they can get it installed. We are prioritizing Starlink installations, creating dedicated capacity, and focusing our operation on rapid turnaround. Our job is to get the installation done right and get that aircraft flying again.”
Last year, Garmin named Sherpa Air as an authorized service and installation center for its full line of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-09-12/garmin-adds-sherpa-air-service-installation-center">avionics suites</a>.

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.

Sherpa Air Appointed To Install Starlink Connectivity for Business Aircraft

South Carolina group has been a Part 145 maintenance provider since 2023

Sherpa Air has added rapid-turnaround Starlink WiFi installations to its maintenance, repair and overhaul service portfolio.

Sherpa Air Appointed Starlink Connectivity Installer

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

MRO provider says accelerated evaluations take as few as five days

Elliott Raffles Pre-purchase Aircraft Eval at NBAA-BACE

Kerry Lynch

EAP now covers 34 engine models and APUs

EAP Reaches 10th Anniversary with Growing Client Base

Cessna Citation XLS+ paint scheme goes hog wild

Duncan Aviation and Ripley’s Prove That Pigs Can Fly

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

Business aviation MRO group also preparing to support Boeing Max 7

AMAC Academy Launches MRO Training Initiative

Charlotte Bailey

Integrated workflow aims to streamline and simplify troubleshooting 

Veryon Unveils AI-enabled Bizjet Maintenance Platform

Chad Trautvetter

Investments for both projects total $50 million

Bombardier Opens Mx Training Center in Wichita

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Elliott Raffles Pre-purchase Aircraft Eval at NBAA-BACE

MRO provider says accelerated evaluations take as few as five days

EAP Reaches 10th Anniversary with Growing Client Base

EAP now covers 34 engine models and APUs

Duncan Aviation and Ripley’s Prove That Pigs Can Fly

Cessna Citation XLS+ paint scheme goes hog wild

AMAC Academy Launches MRO Training Initiative

Business aviation MRO group also preparing to support Boeing Max 7

Veryon Unveils AI-enabled Bizjet Maintenance Platform

Integrated workflow aims to streamline and simplify troubleshooting

Bombardier Opens Mx Training Center in Wichita

Investments for both projects total $50 million

Garmin’s Emergency Autoland System Tops 2,500 Aircraft

Six years after first approval, it now spans more than 15 models

Blackhawk Wins Anti-ice, Prop STCs; Launches Mobile Support

Avex Performance Center in Broomfield, Colorado, adds mobile maintenance services

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