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

Dubai-based flight support group Hadid International Services is emphasizing its extended U.S. connections this week at NBAA-BACE 2026. The company aims to help American business aircraft operators plan trips far from home through its network of staff and representatives across more than 70 countries in the Middle East and Africa.
In June, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) approved Hadid for its Reimbursable Services Program, which can facilitate arrival clearances for passengers and crews outside the agency’s regular operating hours. The clearance applies at the following airports: Bangor (KBGR), Cleveland Hopkins (KCLE), Fort Lauderdale (KFXE), King County-Boeing Field (KBFI), Los Angeles International (KLAX), Palm Beach (KDJT), San Antonio (KSAT), Teterboro (KTEB), and Westchester County (KHPN).
According to Hadid, the CBP endorsement permits it to provide greater operational flexibility for clients flying in and out of the U.S. The company’s operations office in Houston also provides support for the eAPIS passenger information requirements, as well as arranging landing permits and other needs.
Hadid commercial director Mohammad Al Osta said that company’s support for aircraft operators has been particularly critical in the context of geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. “Through proactive planning, local coordination, and alternative arrangements, the company has maintained access to essential services including permits, landing slots, parking, ground handling, fuel, navigation charges, and operational support,” he explained.&nbsp;
For example, clients have turned to Hadid for help in dealing with fuel shortages at airports in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it has recently expanded its presence, and the Nigerian capital Lagos. The company responded by making arrangements for fuel to cover more than 25 flights in July and August in Malaysia, and finding alternative providers in Nigeria.
Since the start of the Iran war in late February, jet A-1 prices have increased by an average of $2 per gallon, according to Hadid. Al Osta said the company provides its JetFuelX market intelligence platform to help operators find the most affordable fuel options and alternative supplies to deal with localized supply shortages.&nbsp;
JetFuelX is now integrated with Jeppesen’s ForeFlight trip-planning service through the Premium and Business Performance plans. The platform is also integrated with the Fuelerlinx, Leon Software, and FuelAssist by Portside services.

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

Hadid Expands Business Aviation Support Network to Trouble Spots

Dubai-based group has new U.S. Customs and Border Patrol clearances

Hadid has expanded its support network to help business aircraft operators dealing with geopolitical instability causing issues such as fuel shortages

Hadid Expands Support Network for Operational Challenges

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

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.

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.

The city of Mesa, Arizona, will review a new fee schedule in December

Revised Landing Fees at Falcon Field Still Raise Ire

Amy Wilder

No notam issued, pilots notified by airport email, says AOPA

FAA Cuts Pattern Work at Busy Colorado Airport

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

SURF-A offers safety benefits for pilots and airport operators

Phoenix Airports Studying Surface Alert Technology

Kerry Lynch

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.

Industry supports 1.3 million jobs in the U.S. 

New Report Highlights General Aviation’s $340B Impact

System is intended to protect the electrical system vaults

Tampa Airport Invests in Hurricane Flood-barrier Fencing

The Aguadilla development includes a 10,800-foot runway

Autonomous Tech Used in Puerto Rico Runway Project

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

NBAA-BACE 2026

More In Airports

Revised Landing Fees at Falcon Field Still Raise Ire

The city of Mesa, Arizona, will review a new fee schedule in December

FAA Cuts Pattern Work at Busy Colorado Airport

No notam issued, pilots notified by airport email, says AOPA

Phoenix Airports Studying Surface Alert Technology

SURF-A offers safety benefits for pilots and airport operators

New Report Highlights General Aviation’s $340B Impact

Industry supports 1.3 million jobs in the U.S.

Tampa Airport Invests in Hurricane Flood-barrier Fencing

System is intended to protect the electrical system vaults

Autonomous Tech Used in Puerto Rico Runway Project

The Aguadilla development includes a 10,800-foot runway

$1.1 Billion in AIP Grants Funds U.S. Airport Upgrades

Federal funding covers 280 grants across 46 states

NBAA’s Rocheleau To Take Helm at ACI-NA

Rocheleau had served with the FAA before returning to NBAA in August

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