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

Collins Aerospace is a prominent aerospace and defense company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced technology solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services, including avionics, aircraft interiors, mission systems, and space systems. 

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

The European Union-backed Clean Aviation initiative issued an advance notice of its third call for decarbonization research and development proposals this week. Aerospace companies have been invited to apply for up to €380 million ($399 million) in EU funding as part of a program valued at a minimum of €950 million when contributions from industry and other entities are factored in.
The largest chunk of funding (€205 million) has been allocated to what Clean Aviation describes as “ultra-efficient, short-medium range aircraft” architectures, implying a focus on the widely anticipated shifts in the distinction between current narrow- and wide-body airliners. Another €145 million has been set aside for work on ultra-efficient regional airliner concepts and a further €15 million for concept integration and impact assessment.
Work covered by the third call for proposals will relate to a diverse set of technologies described in Clean Aviation’s <a href="https://www.clean-aviation.eu/clean-aviation/our-energy-efficiency-and-emissions-reduction/our-strategic-research-innovation-agenda">Strategic Research Initiative Agenda</a>. A subsequent fourth call for proposals will focus on work around hydrogen-powered aircraft. The bidding process is expected to attract proposals from aerospace companies of all sizes and specializations.
A new feature of the Clean Aviation approach is to identify so-called “fast track areas” to accelerate the implementation of technologies. For instance, in the short-medium range category, these would include a ground test demonstration and preparations for flight testing of an ultra-high bypass ratio ducted geared turbofan engine. Other planned areas of funded work include demonstrating a hybrid-electric propulsion system for regional airliners and designing and integrating a high-performance battery system for the same sector of air transport.
The <a href="https://www.clean-aviation.eu/media/news/list-of-topics-for-clean-aviations-third-call-for-proposals-in-february-2025">third call for proposals</a> process formally starts at the end of February 2025. Clean Aviation plans to hold proposal pitch events and guidance sessions for companies.
Existing Clean Aviation projects include ongoing work to advance plans for decarbonizing short-haul flights. This has involved major aerospace groups such as GE Aviation, Honeywell, Collins, Textron, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, as well as start-ups such as hydrogen propulsion pioneer H2Fly.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

EU's Clean Aviation Set to Invite Proposals for Decarbonization R&D Work

Total funding for the third phase of work could top €950 million

The European Union-backed Clean Aviation decarbonization initiative is starting the process to allocate €380 million in funding for future air transport R&D.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are committed to new R&D efforts in the Netherlands

RTX Launches Sustainability Alliance With Dutch Aerospace Sector

Curt Epstein

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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.

Naples Aviation is the first of many to begin offering SAF in the coming months

Florida FBO Becomes First on East Coast To Offer SAF

The large-scale plant is expected to come online in 2026

Pakistan's First SAF Plant Gets Funding Boost

The multi-billion-dollar facility is expected to be running by 2029

New Major SAF Plant Planned for Texas

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

The move could bolster the Kingdom's circular economy and sustainability

TotalEnergies, Aramco Sign SAF Development Agreement

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Environmental regulatory schemes are growing exponentially worldwide

4Air Compliance Services Expand with 21 More Enviro Regs

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

In this article

GE Aerospace

Airbus

Honeywell

Collins Aerospace

Rolls-Royce

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RTX Launches Sustainability Alliance With Dutch Aerospace Sector

Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are committed to new R&D efforts in the Netherlands

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Naples Aviation is the first of many to begin offering SAF in the coming months

Pakistan's First SAF Plant Gets Funding Boost

The large-scale plant is expected to come online in 2026

New Major SAF Plant Planned for Texas

The multi-billion-dollar facility is expected to be running by 2029

TotalEnergies, Aramco Sign SAF Development Agreement

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