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

UrbanLink Air Mobility has signaled its intention to deploy the MDA1 eViator electric regional airliner being developed by German start-up MD Aircraft. The companies announced the signing of a letter of agreement covering preorders for 20 of the nine-seater on December 11.
According to MD Aircraft, it now holds 110 preorders for the eViator model, which it expects to enter service in the early 2030s. The company is seeking to close a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-11-06/md-aircraft-seeks-series-funding-electric-regional-airliner">Series A funding round</a> with the aim of flying a technology demonstrator in 2028, followed by a conforming prototype in 2030.
Florida-based <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-29/urbanlink-operate-betas-electric-aircraft-south-florida">UrbanLink</a> has previously signed prospective purchase agreements with other electric aircraft manufacturers including Beta Technologies, Lilium, and Crisalion Mobility. It also intends to operate Regent Craft’s Viceroy wing-in-ground-effect vessel for services to coastal destinations.
Earlier this month, regional charter network Vini announced plans to acquire 10 of the MDA1s. The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-09-09/flyv-starts-commercial-operations-under-brand-name-vini">German company</a> started commercial flights in September using various aircraft operated by its partners.
The aircraft has a projected range of up to 400 km (216 nm) with its standard battery electric propulsion system. The design features an interchangeable “power bay” for changing out batteries, and that could potentially be adapted for a future hydrogen-electric or hybrid powertrain configuration.
According to MD Aircraft’s CEO, Gregor Müller, the partnership with UrbanLink will boost the company’s prospects in the U.S. and Caribbean markets. It holds preorder agreements from several European operators including Evia Aero, Inselflieger FLN and Ostfrisischer Flugdienst in Germany, and Aer Arann (Ireland).

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.

UrbanLink Plans To Operate MD Aircraft’s eViator Electric Regional Airliner

Letter of agreement covers 20 of the nine-seat aircraft

Regional charter flight group UrbanLink Air Mobility has added another aircraft type to its portfolio with preorders for MD Aircraft’s MDA1 eViator.

UrbanLink Preorders MD Aircraft’s eViator Electric Commuter

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Delivery of the Global 6500s to the Royal Canadian Air Force is slated for mid-2027

Bombardier Nabs $400M Canadian Deal for Global 6500s

Amy Wilder

Hamburg facility begins SIGINT mission system work

Pegasus Advances as First Aircraft Lands in Germany

Bombardier claims the aircraft sets a new bar.

Bombardier’s Latest Global 8000 Business Jet Enters Service

Jessica Reed

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 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.

Its fuselage is 3.9 feet longer than the Kodiak 100

Daher Secures Brazilian Certification for Kodiak 900

Hanneke Weitering

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

Pratt & Whitney Canada is also supporting the program

Boeing-backed Evio Launches Hybrid-electric Regional Airliner

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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Bombardier claims the aircraft sets a new bar.

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Its fuselage is 3.9 feet longer than the Kodiak 100

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Pratt & Whitney Canada is also supporting the program

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Announcement coincides with Vertical’s new aircraft unveiling

Vertical Unveils Redesigned Valo eVTOL Aircraft in London

Updated Valo model features design changes from the VX4 prototype

China’s Comac C919 and CBJ Offer Alternatives to Western Airliners and Business Jets

We go inside the C909 based CBJ.

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