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

Almost half of the U.S. states are descending on the Farnborough International Airshow, vying for new customers, partners, and investors. The strong presence comes at a time when some see America’s position in the global aerospace sector as being in flux due to shifting geopolitical tectonic plates, prompted in part by the Trump administration’s propensity to disrupt established assumptions about trade and defense alliances.
However, exhibitors in the USA Partnership Pavilion are largely pressing a narrative of continuity, emphasizing the industrial ecosystems they say make their states ripe with opportunity for aerospace companies. The consensus among state officials interviewed by AIN ahead of the show is that there is little they can do to temper contentious federal government policies, such as tariffs, so their focus is on value propositions close to home.
At the heart of the Wright Brothers’ origin story, the JobsOhio economic development corporation is emphasizing how it believes aerospace ventures can quickly and affordably scale up in the state. CEO J.P. Nauseef pointed to companies including Sierra Nevada Corp., Joby Aviation, and Hartzell Propeller that have upgraded their presence in Ohio with expanded facilities and payrolls since the Paris Air Show in 2025.
Aircraft modification specialist Sierra Nevada is, Nauseef explained, “the first new company to bend aviation metal” in the state since World War II. He sees the company’s $100 million investment in Ohio as vindication of efforts to shape agreements around each company's specific needs.
Another example is Joby’s decision to acquire a second facility in the Dayton area after starting production of propeller blades for its eVTOL aircraft. Nauseef told AIN that Ohio hadn't been on Joby's shortlist at first, until a concerted pitch prompted a rethink. That relationship is now drawing kindred spirits to the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence.
<h2>Beyond Financial Incentives</h2>
“[Our approach] is more sophisticated than writing incentive checks, and every deal is unique to the client,” Nauseef explained. “They cover staff and resources such as power and water that we can curate. The more strategic the deal, the longer it takes to come to fruition.”
On Monday, JobsOhio is hosting a conference session called Vision to Velocity on advanced air mobility, with speakers including senior executives from Joby, Electra, and Eve, as well as FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau. Another Farnborough show event on Tuesday will focus on efforts to boost U.S. defense production, featuring Linden Blue, the&nbsp;CEO of General Atomics’&nbsp;Aeronautical Systems subsidiary, and GE Aerospace Defense &amp; Systems president and CEO Amy Gowder.
North Carolina’s 400-strong roster of aerospace and defense firms already includes marquee names such as Boeing, Collins, Honeywell, GE, Pratt &amp; Whitney, and Lockheed Martin. More recently, it has attracted JetZero, which plans to build its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-06-18/jetzero-breaks-ground-z4-factory-north-carolina">Z4 blended-wing-body airliner</a> at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.
The state has also had success attracting international companies, including the Irish division of component maker Eaton, German ground support specialist Goldhofer, and Samsung’s battery business. According to North Carolina’s Economic Development Partnership, a strong array of universities and colleges boosts the availability of skilled personnel, while international airports and deep seaports are a logistical boon.
Farther west, the aerospace and defense sector is now Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industry. According to the state’s Aerospace Commerce Economic Services agency, it achieved a three-fold increase in new capital investment during 2025, attracting $450 million from 37 new or expanding businesses and netting 1,325 additional jobs. For example, Dawn Aerospace—with dual Dutch and New Zealand origins—has moved into the Oklahoma Air and Space Port with its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane program.
The Farnborough roll-call of states runs coast to coast and also includes the following: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Altogether, almost 150 individual companies occupy the stands organized by Kallman Worldwide, which runs the USA Partnership Pavilion.

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.

U.S. States Set Politics Aside To Pitch Aerospace Value Chain

More than 20 states are represented in the U.S. International Partnership Pavillon 

U.S. states including Ohio, North Carolina, and Oklahoma are vying for more aerospace and defense inward investment at the Farnborough International Airshow. 

States Set Politics Aside To Pitch Aerospace Appeal

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

McKinsey report says carriers may be fine with delivery delays

Slower Growth Reshapes Airline Outlook on Capacity

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Geopolitics accelerates military airlifter procurement

KC-390 Orders Push Embraer To Boost Output

Amy Wilder

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

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.

Guide available at no cost from Aerocor

Aerocor Guide Cuts Through Phenom 100 Market Noise 

First four aircraft could be operational from 2028 following pilot training in France 

Ukraine Confirms Order For 16 French Rafale Fighters

Howard Hardee

BCA leader Stephanie Pope talks propulsion and production ahead of Farnborough

Boeing Keeps an Open Mind on Open Fan as It Rebuilds 737 Output

Engineering specialist supports UK sovereign capability and logistics

Amentum Sharpens Focus on UK Defense Objectives

Curt Epstein

The company became a Pilatus sales center in 2018

Cutter Aviation Reaches Pilatus Delivery Century Mark

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

More In Aircraft