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

Japanese eVTOL aircraft developer SkyDrive now says it has no fewer than 100 corporate sponsors to support the development of its flying car design. In a June 19 statement, the company said it expects to conduct a first flight for the vehicle during the summer.
According to SkyDrive, which is part of the Cartivator Resource Management consortium, its sponsors have committed a mix of direct financial support, as well as supply components, engineering advice, and seconded staff to support the program. Among the leading companies supporting the program are Panasonic, NEC, Yazaki, Joyson Safety Systems, Mizuno, Sony, and Tokio Marine &amp; Nichido Fire Insurance.
For example, NEC has provided SkyDrive and the Cartivator group of companies with support to develop flight control and management technologies. The group has experience in developing unmanned aircraft controlled systems and radio wave monitoring that could support the entry into service of vehicles like the one being developed by SkyDrive. 
SkyDrive aims to have its flying car ready to be offered for sale from 2023 and to start mass production from 2026. It had aimed to conduct initial public flight demonstrations around the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer, but the event has been canceled due to the Covid-19 crisis. 
The was established in 2018 by a group of engineers working together through the&nbsp;Cartivator consortium to advance electric and autonomous technology for aircraft. In September 2019, it announced that it had raised an additional $14 million in funding, taking its total to $18.5 million. Its direct financial backers include Drone Fund, Z Corporation, STRIVE III Limited Liability Partnership, ITOCHU Technology Ventures Inc., and Energy &amp; Environment Investment Inc.

Charles Alcock

The SkyDrive flying car is expected to make a first public untethered flight in the summer of 2020.

SkyDrive Set For First Flight of Flying Car With 100 Corporate Backers

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN