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

French start-up Beyond Aero has laid out plans for the factory in which it intends to manufacture its in-development hybrid-electric business jet. Yesterday, the Toulouse-based company released a feasibility study developed with architectural specialists at Porsche Consulting and Kardham Group.
According to the partners, the proposed facility will have initial capacity to produce 60 of the eight-seat BYA-1 aircraft each year, rising to 120 units as manufacturing ramps up. Beyond Aero said it expects to create 225 production jobs in a 183,000-sq-ft final assembly line, with an adjoining paint shop, research and development space, showroom, and delivery center.
In October, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-10-01/beyond-aero-achieves-trl6-hydrogen-propulsion-system">Beyond Aero reported</a> that it had achieved technology readiness level 6 for the BYA-1’s hydrogen propulsion system. Its engineering team is now working on the preliminary design review for the aircraft, which it aims to bring to market in 2030 with a projected range of 800 nm.
According to the company, it holds letters of intent from prospective customers valued at more than $1 billion and employs 80 people. It is now evaluating possible locations for the proposed factories, with several sites in France and other parts of Europe being considered.

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.

Beyond Aero Releases Plans for Hydrogen-electric Business Jet Factory

Start-up is considering production sites and other parts of Europe

Beyond Aero and partners say a proposed factory for the BYA-1 hydrogen-electric business jet could produce up to 120 examples each year.

Beyond Aero Releases Plans for Hydrogen Bizjet Factory

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

We go inside the C909 based CBJ.

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

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 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.

Aerostructures and components group has been split between rival airframers

Boeing Absorbs Spirit with Airbus Taking Some Parts

Curt Epstein

The OEM’s new speedy flagship was first announced in 2022

Bombardier Delivers First Global 8000

The super-midsize jet was first announced in September

Gulfstream’s G300 Takes to the Sky

Kerry Lynch

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.

House of Representatives aviation subcommittee addressed new sector's needs

U.S. AAM Advocates Call for More Regulatory Clarity

Swiss start-up has published a photo of its latest 1:9 scale demonstrator

Jekta Prepares to Fly Second Sub-Scale Electric Seaplane

Jennifer Meszaros

Yivtol was one of several eVTOL aircraft developers at the Aero Asia show 

Chinese Start-up Offers Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

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