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

GE Aerospace has conducted its first ground test of a commercial hybrid-electric engine demonstrator as part of its work to develop new reduced-emissions powertrains for future narrowbody airliners. On January 26, the company announced that the NASA-backed work had successfully demonstrated power transfer, extraction, and injection in a high-bypass turbofan.
The ground testing using a modified Passport business jet engine was completed in 2025 at GE’s facility in Peebles, Ohio. As part of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-20/ge-teams-nasa-hybrid-electric-passport-engine">NASA’s Turbofan Engine Power Extraction Demonstration</a>&nbsp;project, the test has provided a more advanced understanding of the hybrid-electric system’s integration and controls than could be ascertained from the standalone components.
The narrowbody hybrid-electric architecture that GE is developing embeds electric motors and generators in a gas turbine engine to provide supplementary power during different phases of flight. The technology can be used with or without batteries to store energy, depending on the application.
NASA reported that test results had exceeded its benchmarks. These were based on input from the air transport industry about the level of engine performance needed to deliver meaningful fuel cost savings and support development of new-generation single-aisle airliners.
For GE, the power extraction aspect of the work is part of the group’s efforts to mature technologies for more electric engines through the joint RISE program it is advancing with its partner Safran in the CFM International joint venture. GE has been working on hybrid-electric propulsion technology since at least 2016, and last year invested in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-09-04/ge-invests-300-million-betas-hybrid-electric-propulsion-plans">Beta Technologies</a> to support joint work on a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for advanced air mobility applications.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

GE Completes Ground Test of Hybrid-electric Commercial Engine Demonstrator 

Work is aimed at developing future narrowbody airliner powertrains

Testing of a hybrid-electric engine demonstrator involved power transfer, extraction, and injection in a high-bypass turbofan to understand systems integration.

GE Completes Hybrid-electric Engine Demonstrator Ground Test 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Agreement also extends the fractional-share operator’s maintenance service plan

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Amy Wilder

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.

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.

Yukon propeller boosts performance as well

Blackhawk Upgrade Targets Faster Seaplane Operations

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

Complaint was filed in 2023 and alleged breach of engine maintenance agreement

Honeywell Reveals Possible $470M Flexjet Lawsuit Cost

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Move clears the way for European certification of Global 8000

GE’s Latest Passport Engine Receives EASA Approval

Curt Epstein

Member of its CT7 family has passed half a million flight hours

GE Aerospace Reaches Turboshaft Engine Milestone

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

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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