Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
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.
Latest from Charles Alcock
Engines
Embraer and Energy Group EDP Team on Electric Aircraft
Energy group EDP is acquiring energy storage and battery charging technologies that will support Embraer's light electric aircraft program.
FutureFlight
FAA Seeks Input on Special Conditions to Certify MagniX Electric Propulsion Systems
The company already has two applications for the systems.
Environment
New Focus on SAF in UK's 'Green Industrial Revolution'
The UK government is investing almost $28 million to encourage development of sustainable aviation fuel use.
FutureFlight
Paris Officials Start Selecting Partners For Urban Air Mobility Trials
Choose Paris Region intends to name the partners for its UAM project in mid-December 2020.
FutureFlight
Business Aviation Investor Turns His Attention To Urban AIr Mobility
Zanite Acquisition is set to complete a $200 million IPO and is backed by Kenneth Ricci and Steven Rosen.
FutureFlight
Wisk and Alaka'i Sign Up for NASA's Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign
The eVTOL developers are joining 17 other companies to support NASA's efforts to nurture a leadership role for U.S. companies in advanced air mobility.
FutureFlight
Flight Test Pilots and Engineers Share Knowledge Through New Council
Membership in the eVTOL Flight Test Council has quickly grown to 160 individuals from manufacturers, regulators, and suppliers.
FutureFlight On The Radar
Report Predicts Burgeoning eVTOL Fleet and Big Spending By 2050
Transport Roland Berger predicts 160,000 aircraft and a $90 billion market in 30 years from now.
Airports
Autonomous Electric Tow Tugs Could Cut Handling Costs
Moonware is developing fully autonomous electric tugs that will be able to move aircraft up to the size of a widebody airliner.
FutureFlight
Automation Could Be Available for Ground Handling of eVTOL Aircraft
Moonware says its electric, autonomously operated tow tugs could be ready to enter service at vertiports and airports by 2023.
FutureFlight
Public Flight Demo Gives Korea a Look at EHang's 216 AAV
Authorities in the country's capital want to launch urban air mobility services between 2023 and 2026.
FutureFlight
Lilium Announces Plan to Build eVTOL Air Mobility Network in Florida
A vertiport in in the Orlando-area community of Lake Nona is the first step in a planned network offering flights within a 185-mile radius.
FutureFlight On The Radar
Current Air Traffic Management Technology and Structures Are Inadequate for Urban Air Mobility
In its new white paper, German startup D3 argues that a new and fully integrated approach to air traffic management is required to support urban air mobility's anticipated growth.
Charter & Fractional
Lilium Unveils Plans for Florida Air Mobility Network
An Orlando-area vertiport is set to be the first part of a new air mobility network across Florida planned by eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium.
FutureFlight
Klein Vision Starts Flight Testing Two-Seater Sports Car
The company says its AirCar will be able to transition from road to flight mode in under three minutes.
FutureFlight
New Aircraft Developers Weigh the Case for Autonomous Operations
Some favor a gradual approach to flight autonomy, but others are saying the case for it is already established.
Accidents
ICAO Tells Iran To Expedite PS752 Shoot Down Investigation
The ICAO Council called on Iranian officials to publish a complete report into the shooting down of Ukrainian International Airlines flight from Tehran,
FutureFlight
Electra Takes the Short Takeoff and Landing Path to Advanced Air Mobility
The startup aims to have a six-seat, hybrid electric aircraft in service by the end of 2026.
FutureFlight
Spanish Cities Selected For Air Taxi Flight Trials in 2022
The country's air navigation agency, Enaire, has said it will run eVTOL aircraft demonstrations in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela.
Regulations and Government
EU May Use Aviation as a Stick to Force UK Brexit Compliance
EU leaders may impose new restrictions on the UK air transport sector in retaliation for what they view as breaches of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
FutureFlight
Airbus Noise Reduction For Helicopters Will Also Guide eVTOL Design
Airbus is exploring both new technology and operating methods to make helicopters quieter.
Airlines
Air Freight Demand Contrasts with Dismal Passenger Traffic
IATA's latest traffic figures for September show encouraging demand for air freight, while Covid continues to blight passenger services.
FutureFlight
Joby Files a Flurry of eVTOL Technology Patent Applications
The company now has almost 60 U.S. patents either granted or pending, with six new applications having been filed last month.
FutureFlight On The Radar
Vancouver's Pioneers Make the Case For Inclusive Advanced Air Mobility
A new white paper from the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium makes the case that Vancouver is an ideal launch pad for this new mode of air transportation.
FutureFlight
VoltAero Recruits Aerostructures Group Sonaca for Cassio Production
The airframe for the Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft will be more aerodynamic than the current Cassio 1 testbed.
Aircraft
Embraer Steps Up Plans for New Regional Turboprop Airliner
The Brazilian airframer is working with prospective partners on a plan to bring a new twin turboprop into service by 2027.
Aircraft
Mitsubishi Suspends Development of SpaceJet M90 Airliner
Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said it may resume work on the long-delayed narrowbody airliner when the air transport market recovers.
FutureFlight
U.S. Air Force Selects Small Business Teams For eVTOL R&D Contracts
Just over 250 teams consisting of small firms and universities have been chosen to work on various technologies to support eVTOL aircraft development.
Aircraft
Airbus Says It Is Rebalanced for Covid Market Conditions
Despite declining revenue and earnings in the first three quarters of 2020, Airbus says it is making progress in harsh Covid trading conditions.
FutureFlight
China's Aviation Regulator Establishes Unmanned Aviation Zones
Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer EHang will be one of the main beneficiaries of a decision by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
