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

Australian rotorcraft operator Gold Coast Helitours plans to add SkyDrive’s three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft to its charter fleet. On Tuesday, the Japanese manufacturer signed a letter of intent with the prospective customer covering the purchase of five aircraft.
SkyDrive is targeting <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-07-06/skydrive-builds-its-case-sd-05-evtol-certification">Japanese type certification in 2028</a>. This would then need to be validated in countries including Australia, where the company has an anticipated customer base. The agreement with Gold Coast Helitours calls for a pair of SD-05s to be delivered before the end of 2028, with three more to follow in 2029.
Gold Coast Helitours announced initial plans for eVTOL sightseeing tours operating from a heliport at the Marina Mirage resort on the Queensland city’s oceanfront. In the longer term, the operator wants to offer flight connections to Gold Coast city center and Gold Coast Airport (YBCG), as well as to establish an eVTOL aircraft maintenance hub at Southport Airfield. SkyDrive also has prospective customers in Japan, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-02-13/7a-drones-signs-ten-skydrive-sd-05-aircraft">Taiwan</a>, India and the U.S.
Having run a rotorcraft charter service for the past 30 years, Gold Coast Helitours operates a fleet including Airbus H125s and Robinson R44s. In addition to sightseeing flights, the company does aerial survey work and corporate transportation. The Marina Mirage site is currently undergoing a $354 million redevelopment, including a superyacht marina and a Marriott hotel. &nbsp;

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

Australia's Gold Coast Helitours Will Operate SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL Aircraft

Queensland-based operator has a fleet of Airbus and Robinson rotorcraft

Australian charter group Gold Coast Helitours has agreed to buy five of the three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft under development by Japanes start-up SkyDrive.

Gold Coast Helitours To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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

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

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