Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
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.
Latest from Charles Alcock
ATC
Honeywell Sees Consolidation and Longer Path to Market for eVTOL Makers
Technology group does not expect scaled air taxi service until at least 2028
Engines
FAA Consults on Special Conditions for Safran Electric Engine
The EngineUs family of electric motors has been selected for several new aircraft
Charter & Fractional
Digital Checkout Added to Charter Flight Quote Platform
Software integration expected to streamline flight quote and payment process
ATC
Estonia To Host Uncrewed Traffic Management Test Center
Uncrewed aircraft take center stage at Airspace World trade show
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Early eVTOL Aircraft Deliveries Boost EHang's Revenues
Chinese company prepares to certify the larger, longer-range VT30 eVTOL model
Aircraft
Vertical's Second VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Almost Assembled for Flight Testing
UK company wants to complete type certification in 2026.
Security
Doubts Raised over Possible Ukrainian Airspace Reopening
Ukraine's government has opened discussions with air safety regulators EASA and FAA
FBOs
Atlantic FBOs Prepare To Support Lilium eVTOL Flights
Infrastructure and support will be available at 30 or more U.S. locations
Charter & Fractional
Bravo Air Plans To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft
The private charter operator is based in Augusta, Georgia
Security
Dutch Environmental Protestors Target Private Aviation
Extinction Rebellion tried to protest at Maastricht-Aachen Airport
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Leonardo Chases Growth in Five-year Business Plan
The Italian group will invest in digital technology, while also consolidating and seeking cost savings
FutureFlight
Cranfield Aerospace Integrates Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain into Aircraft Nacelle
The company's partner, aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman, is seeking new investors to ensure its survival.
Charter & Fractional
Falcon and Archer Launch Abu Dhabi-Dubai eVTOL Flights
Services will operate from Falcon Aviation's heliports in the UAE
FutureFlight
CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL Prototype Unveiled at German Development Base
The all-electric aircraft, which features eight sets of electric motors and rotors, is expected to operate on routes of up to around 50 miles.
Charter & Fractional
WingX Sees Stagnant Bizav Flight Activity Year-to-date
Global flights were down around 3 percent year-on-year in the first two months of this year
Regulations and Government
Aircraft Operators, FBOs Face New UK Border Controls
More passenger data and prior approval will be required for non-UK citizens
Airports
UK Considers New Night Noise Limits for London Airports
The changes, running through October 2028, would mainly impact Stansted Airport
FutureFlight
Transcend Will Use HyperDrive Magnetic Levitation Technology for Vy 421 Tilt-wing VTOL Aircraft
The company has partnered with another Boston-based start-up, Maglev Aero, to replace electric motors.
Regulations and Government
Ex-EBAA Leader Fernand François Passes Away
Career in aviation spanned five decades, including journalism and industry advocacy
Environment
Hybrid Pragmatism Could Be Vanguard for Aviation's Electric Dreams
Multiple hybrid-electric fixed-wing aircraft are in development
FutureFlight
Volocopter Gets Clearance to Start Early Serial Production of VoloCity eVTOL Aircraft
Germany's LBA civil aviation authority has extended the company's production organization approval.
Environment
Embraer-X and Sustainable Aero Lab Push Decarbonization
Embraer-X is the Brazilian airframer's technology incubator and 'market accelerator' unit
FutureFlight
Leasing Group LCI Teams With Airbus to Pursue Advanced Air Mobility Opportunities
The agreement was signed at the Heli-Expo show, where Bristow Group and The Helicopter and Jet Company launched a similar collaboration focused on Saudi Arabia.
Charter & Fractional
Blog: Could Monopolies Be the Norm for eVTOL Air Taxi Services?
Dubai's decision to give exclusive access to Joby has ruffled feathers
FutureFlight
Lyte Aviation Expands LA-44 Hydrogen-Electric VTOL Aircraft Family to Offer Business Aviation Model
Like the 44-seat SkyBus and freight-carrying SkyTruck versions of the aircraft, the LA-44 X Prime will be priced at around $44 million and enter service around the end of the decade.
Aircraft
Lyte Launches Private Version of Hydrogen-electric VTOL Aircraft
The 19-seat LA-44 X Prime is a derivative of the 40-seat LA-44 SkyBus aircraft
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus Says Service and Support Investment Bearing Fruit
The company has increased the value of spare parts it holds to around $430 million
Rotorcraft
Engine Backup System Could Buy Time for Pilots
Technology would provide emergency power after single-engine failures
Aircraft
Airbus Sees eVTOL Race to Market as a Marathon
The company's urban air mobility unit sees no immediate case for on-demand air taxi services
Airports
Sugar Land Set To be Launch Pad for Wisk's eVTOL Air Taxi Services
A vertiport at the city's airport could be part of a network across the Greater Houston area
