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
FutureFlight
SkyDrive Set For First Flight of Flying Car With 100 Corporate Backers
The Japanese eVTOL developer expects to make a first public flight during the summer of 2020.
Regulations and Government
UK Bizav Steps Up Fight for Quarantine Exemption
BBGA says the UK goverment has ignored its proposals for safety measures it believes could avoid the need for a damaging quarantine.
Aircraft
HyPoint To Provide Hydrogen Fuel Cells for CityHawk eVTOL
Hydrogen fuel weighs less than jet fuel and for the CityHawk eVTOL it will deliver range of us to around 125 miles when it enters service from around 2028.
Airlines
Qantas Halts All Intl Flights As Australia Stays Closed
Australia's borders will remain closed to most international visitors through 2021, with the exception of trips to and from New Zealand.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
IATA Demands More Concessions on ATM Fees and Slot Rules
IATA says Europe's airlines have yet to see the worst of the traffic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more jobs and heavier losses to come.
FutureFlight
Urban Aeronautics Selects HyPoint to Provide Hydrogen Fuel Cells For CityHawk VTOL
The hydrogen-powered version of the aircraft is expected to start flight testing between 2028 and 2030.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Siemens Offers UV Light as Cabin Disinfection Solution
The UV light system has been proven to kill a wide range of viruses and bacteria, and is believed to be effective against Covid-19.
Avionics
Honeywell Focuses New Unit on UAS and UAM Sectors
The new Honeywell business unit will offer avionics, power, air traffic management, and other systems for new aircraft in the UAS and UAM sectors.
Regulations and Government
UK Airlines Launch Legal Challenge to Quarantine Rules
British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair asked a court to rule on their objections to a 14-day quarantine requirement for most travelers arriving in the UK.
Charter & Fractional
Charter App Ascent Expands Helo Service to Thailand
Ascent has partnered with Thai helicopter operators SRS Aviation and Advance Aviation to offer on demand helicopter charter in several locations.
Aircraft
EASA Awards First Electric Aircraft TC to Pipistrel
EASA this week completed what it says is the world's first type certification for a fully electric aircraft, indicating it will pave the way for others.
Aircraft
Wisk Resumes Cora eVTOL Test Flights after Covid Halt
The four Cora eVTOL prototypes have logged more than 1,300 flight test hours at development sites in New Zealand and California.
Aircraft
Airflow Launches eSTOL Electric Cargo Aircraft
Former members of Airbus's Vahana eVTOL development team now believe that electric short takeoff and landing aircraft could be more cost effective.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
France Unveils €15 Billion Aid Package For Aviation Industry
Government funding includes existing support for Air France, plus a further €8 billion for various aspects of the aerospace sector.
Regulations and Government
Bizav Traffic into the UK Spikes Ahead of Quarantine, Then Falls
WingX data shows a sharp increase in business aircraft movements into the UK as travelers rushed to avoid new quarantine rules that took effect on June 8.
Airlines
British Airways Challenges UK Government Over Quarantine
British Airways is suing the UK government after refusing to participate in a meeting with the UK Home Secretary to discuss new quarantine rules.
Regulations and Government
UK Business Aviation Fails To Win Quarantine Exemption
The UK aviation industry fears that already low traffic levels will collapse when the quarantine is enforced from June 8.
Airlines
UK Government Refuses To Act on Layoffs after Airline Bailouts
UK aviation minister says government cannot act to stop layoffs at BA and EasyJet and will not extend further support to the country's aviation industry.
Regulations and Government
UK Ignores Industry Pleas and Confirms Quarantine Rules
Almost all travelers arriving in the UK from June 8 will be required to register for a 14-day quarantine at a fixed address.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
MySky Spend Management Platform Expands to Americas Market
MySky's founders say that artificial intelligence can deliver financial transparency to private aviation, which is wasting 20 percent of its cost base.
Aircraft
Electric-powered Grand Caravan Makes 30-minute First Flight
Magnix is partnering with AeroTec to re-engine the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan single turboprop with an electric propulsion system.
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Group Protests Against UK Quarantine Rules
The Air Charter Association says the UK's quarantine rules will make it impossible for customers to make short visits to the country, harming business.
Aircraft
EHang's 216 eVTOL Cleared for Supply Flights in China
EHang is using its 216 autonomous eVTOL aircraft to carry freight for a hotel operator in southern China with approval from the CAAC.
Aircraft
Lilium Hopes To Resume eVTOL Flight Testing in Coming Months
The German company says it is still on track to start operating its five-seat all-electric aircraft in air taxi operations from 2025.
Aircraft
EASA Proposes eVTOL Certification Means of Compliance
EASA's Special Condition VTOL certification requirements include an Enhanced category for commercial operations in urban environments.
Airlines
UK Imposes Quarantine on Most Arrivals from June 8
Airline group says UK's mandatory 14-day quarantine rule will suppress almost all travel in and out of the country, effectively grounding UK airlines.
Aircraft
Archer Launches eVTOL into Crowded Marketplace
The backing for the startup from a leading technology entrepreneur has provided a boost for the eVTOL sector at a time of concern over investment rates.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Civil Aviation Decline Forces Rolls-Royce To Cut 9,000 Jobs
The aircraft engine maker aims to achieve annual savings of around $1.6 billion, with most of the impact being on its UK-based civil aerospace business.
Airlines
Travel Restrictions Raise Fear of More Painful Airline Recovery
U.S. travel ban presents a particularly high barrier to international travel.
Charter & Fractional
Pipistrel Slows Uber eVTOL Work to Advance Other New Aircraft
Uber Air partner Pipistrel says it is moving forward with plans for two new electric cargo aircraft and a hydrogen-powered 19-seat regional airliner.
