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

Japanese eVTOL aircraft developer SkyDrive has raised a further 8 billion Yen ($55 million) in the latest of its Series C funding rounds. Investors for the round that concluded this week include Inventum Ventures, Osaka Metro, Mizuho Bank, and Energy &amp; Environment Investment, which also backed the Series A and B fundraising.
Announcing the latest commitments, SkyDrive said it will use the additional capital to upgrade its capabilities to accelerate ground and flight testing of its three-seat SD-05 aircraft. It will also strengthen its quality assurance team and other departments as it prepares for mass production.
Osaka Metro, which operates subway trains and trams, is cooperating with SkyDrive in plans to demonstrate the eVTOL aircraft during the Expo 2025 event the Japanese city will host. The public transportation company has agreed to develop and operate a vertiport outside the Expo venue.
The company is seeking <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-18/japans-skydrive-begins-faa-type-certification-evtol-aircraft">type certification</a> from both Japanese and U.S. regulators in time to start deliveries in 2026. It said it now holds pre-orders for 263 aircraft from prospective customers in Japan, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-15/bravo-air-plans-operate-skydrive-evtol-aircraft">the U.S.,</a> South Korea, and Vietnam.
“Since the [first round of] Series C funding in September 2022, we have been able to make great progress in the development of our eVTOL aircraft with many top-class engineers from around the world joining our team,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive’s CEO. “With the cooperation of Suzuki Motor Corporation, a shareholder and strong production partner, we announced the start of production at Suzuki Group’s manufacturing plant in March 2024.”

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

Japan's SkyDrive Attracts $55 Million in New Funding for eVTOL Aircraft

New backers include public transportation group Osaka Metro

SkyDrive has raised a further $55.4 million in the latest tranche of its Series C funding round to accelerate work on the SD-05 eVTOL aircraft.

SkyDrive Attracts $55 Million in New Funding for eVTOL Aircraft

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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.

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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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