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

Charles Alcock

Korean Air is investing around $834 million to build an Urban Air Mobility and Aviation Safety Research and Development Center to support efforts to develop new transportation technology in South Korea. The new future mobility and innovation hub is expected to open in 2030 at Bucheon in Gyeonggi province.
The facility will include a research center where engineers will be focused on developing software and artificial intelligence applications for uncrewed air vehicles to be used in both commercial and defense use cases. It will also consist of a major new flight training center, consolidating flight operations for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines and with capacity to train up to 21,600 pilots each year. Additionally, there will be a safety experience center that will offer immersive training for airline personnel as well as local businesses.
Announcing the launch of the project this week, Korean Air said it will break ground in 2027 on a center that will employ more than 1,000 people. Other partners include the city of Bucheon and the Korean Land and Housing Corporation.
South Korea is among several nations worldwide that have prioritized investment in advanced air mobility and related technology. Korean automotive giant Hyundai has its own eVTOL aircraft subsidiary called <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-04-22/supernal-confirms-first-flight-evtol-aircraft-technology">Supernal</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-01-28/korean-start-airbility-raises-funds-hybrid-electric-vtol">local start-up Airbility</a> is working on a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

Korean Air Invests in Urban Air Mobility and Aviation Safety Hub

Major new technology and training center will open in 2030

Korean Air's Urban Air Mobility and Aviation Safety Research and Development Center is intended to advance future mobility technology and air safety.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Dubai-based carrier is also focused on boosting SAF supplies 

Emirates Adds to Backlog of Airbus A350-900 Orders

Low-cost carrier could add up to 300 Boeing 737s and A321s

FlyDubai Taps Boeing and Airbus For Narrowbody Fleet Growth

The country's first private airline is trying to rebuild its scheduled route networkj 

Libya's Buraq Air Plans to Renew Fleet With A320neos

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Logistics specialist is launching a new electric air cargo operator called e-Smart Avia

Air Freight Group Orders Beta’s Alia Electric Aircraft

FlyDubai and Air Europa also signed new deals with Airbus in Dubai

Etihad Boosts Widebody Fleet with Airbus A330/350 Deal

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

More In Airlines

Emirates Adds to Backlog of Airbus A350-900 Orders

Dubai-based carrier is also focused on boosting SAF supplies

FlyDubai Taps Boeing and Airbus For Narrowbody Fleet Growth

Low-cost carrier could add up to 300 Boeing 737s and A321s

Libya's Buraq Air Plans to Renew Fleet With A320neos

The country's first private airline is trying to rebuild its scheduled route networkj

Air Freight Group Orders Beta’s Alia Electric Aircraft

Logistics specialist is launching a new electric air cargo operator called e-Smart Avia

Etihad Boosts Widebody Fleet with Airbus A330/350 Deal

FlyDubai and Air Europa also signed new deals with Airbus in Dubai

African Carriers Expand Network with Boeing 737s

Boeing also announced deals with FlySafair, Air Sénégal and Gulf Air

Embraer Lands Helvetic, Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders at Dubai Airshow

New and returning customers for the E-Jet family sign Embraer’s first show orders

Algerian Flag Carrier Receives First A330-900 Aircraft

Air Algérie has ordered eight of the A330neo widebodies

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