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
Aircraft
Lilium Raises $240M More for Its eVTOL Program
The further $240 million in funding raised by Lilium for its eVTOL aircraft development suggests that investors are not deterred by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aircraft
Travel Bans Complicate Bizav's Bid to Keep Business Moving
The private charter sector seems to have been able to capitalise on urgent demand for lift as Covid-19 travel bans bite, but how long will this last?
Airlines
New Data Shows Scale of the EU Travel Ban's Effect on Airlines
Almost 50,000 flights and more than 10 million seats will disappear from the market as a direct result of the European Union's 30-day travel ban.
FutureFlight
CityHawk VTOL Developer Urban Aeronautics Starts UAM Partnership With Rideshare Group Ascent
Asian air taxi rideshare group Ascent is working to develop urban air mobility plans with Urban Aeronautics, which is developing the CityHawk eVTOL
Aircraft
Ascent Makes UAM Plans With eVTOL Group Urban Aeronautics
Asian rideshare group Ascent believes that Urban Aeronautics' hydrogen powered CityHawk eVTOL could be a good solution for sustainable urban air mobility.
Regulations and Government
European Union Closes Borders As Flight Restrictions Tighten
The European Union's external border will be closed to most non-citizens for at least 30 days, but flight crew will still be allowed entry.
FutureFlight
Skyryse Launches FlightOS Automation System to Ease Pilot Load
The FlightOS automation system is being offered to developers of eVTOL aircraft.
FutureFlight
EHang Expands Plans for eVTOL Flight Trials in Spain and Norway
EHang has an agreement to develop urban air mobility plans in the Spanish city of Seville, and a permit to start flight trials in Norway.
Safety
FlightOS Automation System Promises Safety and Flexibility
The new FlightOS flight automation system from Skyryse is to be available for retrofit on almost any aircraft. It is intended to relieve pilot workload.
Regulations and Government
Extension of U.S. Travel Ban Piles More Pain on Airlines
The Trump Administration's extension of its travel ban to UK and Irish citizens has prompted further aggressive staff and service cuts by airlines.
Charter & Fractional
Business Aviation Confronts Covid-19 Reality as Fallout Spreads
In the face of dire economic news and mounting travel restrictions, business aviation is reaching for a silver lining on the COVID-19 pandemic cloud.
FutureFlight
U.S. Military Exploring eVTOL Solution to Resupplying Troops
The Pentagon is looking for help from private sector eVTOL aircraft developers to meet its needs for autonomous battleground lift capability.
FutureFlight
Personal Airline Exchange Set to Use Data to Drive On-Demand Flight
Personal Airline Exchange has committed to launching service with Ampaire's Electric EEL aircraft, but has flexible plans to build its new rideshare business model gradually.
Aircraft
VoltAero's Hybrid Electric Cassio Makes First Flight
VoltAero's Cassio hybrid electric aircraft is set to enter service in 2022 and is intended for various roles with between four and nine seats.
FutureFlight
VoltAero's Hybrid Electric Cassio I Achieves First Flight
The hybrid electric fixed wing aircraft is due to enter service in 2022.
Regulations and Government
Industry Troubled as UK Government Confirms EASA Departure
The UK will leave the European Aviation Safety Agency at the end of 2020, raising questions about the CAA's ability to take over its responsibilities.
FutureFlight
Urban Air Mobility Must Work For The People to Win Public Acceptance, Says CAMI
The Community Air Mobility Initiative is advocating a "crawl, walk, run" approach to UAM implementation, demonstrating public benefit and safety.
Environment
CAMI: Urban Air Mobility Must Be for Public Good
The Community Air Mobility Initiative is working with the UAM industry to win public acceptance for eVTOL aircraft operations in urban areas.
FutureFlight
Wind Cancels GoFly Final Fly-Off As Tetra Aviation Wins Disruptor Award
Winners of the GoFly grand prize and other prizes for quietest and smallest entries are expected to be announced later.
FutureFlight
VoltAero Prepares for First Flight of Cassio and Targets First Deliveries by End of 2022
VoltAero expects to achieve a first flight with the Cassio at its headquarters in western France on March 24.
Accidents
Lilium eVTOL Prototype Damaged in Fire
Lilium Jet will use its second eVTOL prototype to resume flight testing following a February 27 fire that destroyed the first prototype.
Charter & Fractional
COVID-19 Brings More Challenges Than Opportunities for Bizav
The COVID-19 epidemic has spurred some increased demand for private charter flights, but it has been hard for the industry to meet this demand.
FutureFlight
Plans Advance For eVTOL Ground Infrastructure in Australia
Ground infrastructure specialist Skyportz and planning group Arup are working on plans to develop landing sites on existing buildings.
Airports
Skyportz, Arup Advance Plans for eVTOL Infrastructure
Property developers In Australia are being encouraged to build rooftop landing sites that will be ready to receive eVTOL aircraft when these are approved.
FutureFlight
Helicopter Rideshare Program Sees eVTOL Aircraft as Charter Sector's Green Future
Rideshare service Ascent is looking to launch commercial eVTOL aircraft operations in Southeast Asia.
FutureFlight
EHang's 216 Autonomous eVTOL Carries Medical Supplies to Chinese Hospital
An EHang 216 aircraft has been used to carry medical supplies as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
FutureFlight
Russians Prepare to Start Superconductor Electric Motor Flight Testing
Russia's defense research agency and superconductor specialist SuperOx say their 500 kW motor will outperform existing technology.
Engines
Russia Prepares for Superconductor Electric Motor Trials
Electric motors using high temperature superconductors could find applications on existing aircraft as well as new eVTOL designs.
Aircraft
Bombardier, Gulfstream Bizjets Vie For Collier Trophy
The latest Global 7500 and G500/600 business jets could be honored with the 2019 Collier Trophy, but also in contention is eVTOL pioneer Kitty Hawk.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Volocopter's eVTOL Plans Boosted by $113 Million Investment
Volocopter has now raised $159 million for its Volocity eVTOL aircraft program and is launching a feasibility study for operations in southeast Asia.
