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

Latest news about Eviation's Alice all-electric commuter airplane. 

Read the latest news about German eVTOL developer Lilium.

UrbanLink Air Mobility has added Traverse Aero’s hybrid-electric Orca eVTOL cargo drone to its planned fleet for a diverse array of advanced air mobility services. In late November, the South Florida-based start-up confirmed an agreement to buy 40 Orca vehicles, which are being developed by California-based Traverse Aero to carry up to 550 pounds of freight in standard cargo pallets.
The terms of the provisional order were not confirmed in a November 25 announcement and Traverse Aero has not said when it aims to complete type certification of the Orca. The aircraft is expected to have a range of around 600 miles, powered by batteries and an unspecificed turbine engine that the company said will be able to run on sustainable aviation fuel.
Initially, UrbanLink plans to operate the Orca drones in Puerto Rico, where it expects to use them for government and relief agency clients for logistics and emergency missions. Subsequently, from its Miami-base, it will also offer the vehciles for relief operations, as well as to carry baggage and cargo for passengers using its planned services using electric aircraft and sea vessels.
Since its launch in April, UrbanLink has also signed provisional orders for <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-06/urbanlink-plans-south-florida-evtol-network-lilium-order">Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL model</a>, as well as Eviation’s Alice fixed-wing aircraft and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-06/urbanlink-plans-south-florida-evtol-network-lilium-order">Regent Craft’s wing-in-ground-effect Viceroy seaglider</a>. It is also working with airports group Ferrovial to develop a network of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-26/ferrovial-teams-evtol-operator-urbanlink-develop-florida">vertiports in Florida</a>.
“The Orca drones not only provide our customers with an environmentally friendly delivery service, they also allow us to support first responders and local communities in the wake of a natural disaster,” said Ed Wegel, UrbanLink’s founder and chairman. “This partnership marks another step forward in our mission to deliver sustainable, high-value, end-to-end transportation across air, sea and ground.”
In October 2023, Traverse Aero signed a letter of intent with South Korea’s <a href="https://live.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-02-29/lyte-launches-private-version-hydrogen-electric-vtol">Ghenus Air</a> covering the possible purchase of up to 100 Orcas. The U.S. Air Force has also shown interest in the drone.
&nbsp;

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.

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Advanced Air Mobility Fleet

Hybrid-electric drone could support relief operations in Puerto Rico

Florida-based UrbanLink plans to include Traverse Aero's Orca hybrid-electric cargo drone in a fleet alongside other electric aircraft and sea vessels.

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Diverse Fleet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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.

Gaseous hydrogen fuel tanks have been moved out of the cabin to the wing

Beyond Aero Reveals Redesign of Hydrogen Business Jet

Matt Thurber

New avionics replace the Honeywell Apex avionics on previous models

Pilatus Unveils PC-12 Pro with Garmin Avionics 

UK start-up has funds to support work through the end of 2025

Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Takes Shape

Jessica Reed

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.

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 business jet is one of five candidates 

Gulfstream, Skyryse among 2024 Collier Trophy Finalists

Sarah Rose

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.

Aircraft was sold in 27 days

SmartJets Speed Runs Sale of Dassault Falcon 2000

Kerry Lynch

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

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Neelam Mathews

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.

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

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

In this article

Eviation

Lilium

More In Aircraft