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

AirAsia plans to lease at least 100 of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft and deploy them for urban air mobility services in Southeast Asian cities. Under a non-binding memorandum of understanding signed on February 16 during the&nbsp;Singapore Airshow, the Malaysia-based airline will take the aircraft from a batch of 500 units ordered by leasing group Avolon in June 2021.
Through Avolon’s investment and innovation affiliate Avolon-e, the companies&nbsp;say, they will work together to launch commercial&nbsp;operations of the four-passenger eVTOL models, with passengers booking flights using the AirAsia app. They are to form a working group to pursue local approvals for the aircraft, conduct market research, and evaluate infrastructure requirements. 
Last year, Ireland-based Avolon placed another 350 of the aircraft—which&nbsp;it expects to add to its portfolio in 2025—with Japan Air Lines and Brazilian carriers Gol and Grupo Comporte. The aircraft, which is set to complete type certification in 2024, is expected to have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 200 mph. Other scheduled operators, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and Iberojet, have also placed provisional orders, as have&nbsp;Japanese investment group Marubeni and helicopter operator Bristow.
“We are now much more than just an airline with over 20 products and services on our super app leveraging off each other, including flights, hotels, food, retail, delivery, ride-hailing, and more,” commented AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Tony Fernandes. “I am truly excited about this partnership between Avolon and AirAsia and thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia.”
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Charles Alcock

AirAsia plans to deploy at least 100 of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft on ride-hailing flights in Southeast Asian cities like the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. (Image: Avolon)

AirAsia Plans Urban Air Mobility Service with Leased VX4 eVTOL Aircraft

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