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

California State University has released a study spelling out what it views as the potential benefits of urban air mobility services to Long Beach and the wider Los Angeles-Orange County region. Commissioned by the Long Beach Economic Partnership, the research paper is&nbsp;entitled "The Economic Impact of Establishing and Expanding Urban Air Mobility Operations across Southern California."&nbsp;It projects&nbsp;that building a network of 20 vertiports for eVTOL flights could generate 2,133 jobs, as well as $174 million in income for construction companies and others and $423.6 million in economic output. Once the network is in operation, it would be expected annually to result in $173.3 million in expenditures and $90.3 million in income for workers and create 943 jobs.
Several eVTOL aircraft developers, including <a href="https://wisk.aero/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Concept-of-Operations-for-Uncrewed-Urban-Air-Mobility.pdf">Wisk</a>, Archer, Supernal, Volocopter, and Overair, have engaged with officials in the Los Angeles area because they view the Southern Californian megacity as an ideal early adopter of their technology. The city government has commissioned <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-brief/2022-12-12/los-angeles-advanced-air-mobility-pioneers-share-their-inside-track">Urban Movement Labs</a> to work on plans for blending UAM operations with the public transportation network.
Some companies are targeting the launch of eVTOL air taxi service for 2025. Under its Innovate AAM 28 plan, the FAA is committed to helping the industry be ready to feature eVTOL flights as part of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, which Los Angeles will host. &nbsp;

Charles Alcock

Study Projects Big Paybacks for Urban Air Mobility across Los Angeles Metropolis

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