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

A subsidiary of South Korean automotive group Hyundai will produce the landing gear for Vertical Aerospace’s Valo eVTOL aircraft. On May 21, the UK manufacturer announced that it has reached an agreement with Hyundai WIA, which will develop and produce lightweight landing gear in partnership with UK engineering company Stirling Dynamics.
Bristol-based Vertical has already appointed other key suppliers including Honeywell (flight control and aircraft management systems), Aciturri (airframe structures), Evolito (electric propulsion units), Syensqo (composite materials), and Isoclima (transparencies).
Hyundai has its own eVTOL aircraft developer in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-05-12/supernal-signals-revival-kai-partnership-new-cto">U.S.-based Supernal</a>, which recently announced further support from Korean Aerospace Industries. Its WIA unit was founded in 1976 and has extensive experience in developing automobile parts, as well as contributing to aerospace and defense programs.
Vertical is now building the first examples of the six-seat Valo model it unveiled in December and for which it is targeting type certification in 2028. Last month, the company reported that it had achieved a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-04-06/vertical-achieves-piloted-evtol-transition-flight">piloted two-way transition flight</a> with its VX4 prototype.
Engineering work is now progressing toward the critical design review, which will establish the certifiable design baseline for the Valo, clearing the way for Vertical to build certification-conforming aircraft. The process will confirm key design elements, supply chain configuration, and certification partner selection before full-scale certification testing and series manufacturing begin.

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.

Hyundai Will Make Landing Gear for Vertical Aerospace’s Valo eVTOL Aircraft

Korean auto maker is partnering with UK engineering group Stirling Dynamics

Vertical Aerospace signed an agreement with Hyundai WIA covering the design and manufacturing of landing gear for its Valo eVTOL aircraft.

Hyundai Will Make Landing Gear for Vertical’s eVTOL 

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

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

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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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