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

Virgin Atlantic stepped up its plans to provide eVTOL air-taxi services by formalizing its alliance with Joby Aviation this week at the Farnborough Airshow. The companies now have a binding, multiyear agreement running in tandem with a similar deal with major Virgin shareholder Delta Air Lines, building on a 2025 commitment.
The UK-based airline will give its passengers access to Joby’s app- and website-based booking platforms, allowing them to secure air taxi rides to connect with long-haul flights. Joby plans to launch services to Virgin’s hubs at London Heathrow and Manchester airports.
Routes such as central London to Heathrow and Leeds to Manchester are expected to take 8 and 15 minutes, respectively, instead of over an hour by car. The partners did not release prices for flights in Joby’s four-passenger eVTOLs or say when the service would begin.
California-based Joby will have full responsibility for aircraft operations and route management after securing regulatory approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and has said it wants to launch other routes in the country. Virgin, which previously had an agreement with rival eVTOL manufacturer Vertical Aerospace, is handling ground infrastructure and marketing.

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

Virgin Atlantic Firms Up eVTOL Air Taxi Alliance with Joby

Connections to London Heathrow and Manchester airports will start first

Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to make connections to airports including Manchester in the UK with Joby's eVTOL air taxi services.

Virgin Firms Up eVTOL Air Taxi Alliance with Joby

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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 and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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

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.

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