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

Precision engineering group Doncasters is looking to grow in key sectors including aerospace with a $919.3 million capital boost from its New York Stock Exchange initial public offering on June 25. The UK-based group, founded in 1778, produces an array of nickel- and cobalt-based superalloy components such as airfoil blades and vanes, engine structural castings, and hot-side turbocharger wheels.
Doncasters’ aerospace customer base includes Safran Aircraft Engines, for which it supplies structural and hot-section airflow castings for the CFM International Leap-1A and 1B turbofans. It also produces blades and vanes for several other propulsion systems under long-term supply agreements.
In recent months, the company has started building a 32,000-sq-ft production facility at its site in Bochum, Germany, as part of plans to strengthen its aerospace supply chain. This work is part of a $52 million investment in the facility announced in December 2025, which also includes new furnaces to be installed over the next 12 months. The group has 14 production locations across Europe, Asia, and North America.
For components with complex internal features, Doncasters uses the customer’s design to produce the precision ceramic core that will be used for superalloy casting. From this, it makes a wax replica mold and coats the structure with strengthening materials before firing the ceramic shell to remove the wax. Once the structure has solidified, the ceramic mold is removed and the surfaces trimmed to remove excess metal before further strengthening processes.

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

$919 Million IPO Funds Doncasters’ Investment in Aerospace Supply Chain 

250-year-old UK group is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange

Superalloy castings specialist Doncasters is boosting investment in support for aircraft engine manufacturers following a $919 million initial public offering.

IPO Boosts Engine Castings Specialist Doncasters

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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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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.

Its next-generation engine program reverses course

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

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

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