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

FBO group Signature Aviation and vertiport developer UrbanV have launched a joint venture to support advanced air mobility operations in the U.S. The companies announced the Signature UrbanV Alliance (SUVA) business on October 21 at NBAA-BACE, building on an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-12/signature-aviation-urbanv-establish-jv-vertiport">agreement signed last year</a>.
The SUVA team is set to begin developing support infrastructure to connect airports with urban and regional communities. The new company will start operating from Signature’s network of private aviation terminals and later include purpose-built vertiports and other facilities as demand for flights grows.
Operations supported are expected to include eVTOL aircraft, but also new fixed-wing models, such as Electra’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-07-07/signature-plots-aam-strategy-urbanv-and-electra">EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft</a>. SUVA will provide aircraft handling services, including recharging and passenger support, working with airport owners, city governments, real estate firms, manufacturers and operators.
“Advanced air mobility will not be enabled by individual sites alone,” UrbanV executive director Massimiliano Pane commented. “It will require connected infrastructure that is ready ahead of large-scale commercial operations and links airports with places people want to reach. SUVA enables us to turn that vision into a scalable network, combining existing aviation assets with dedicated vertiports as the market develops.”
Signature operates private aviation terminals at over 200 locations across 27 countries. Rome-based UrbanV also has plans to develop vertiports in Europe and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-08-05/urbanv-announces-sao-paulo-vertiport-network-partnership">South America</a>.

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

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Handling operations for new aircraft will start at Signature Aviation FBOs

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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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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.

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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.

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