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

Cargo flight group RVL Aviation plans to introduce Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft retrofitted with ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion systems to its fleet. Announcing an agreement on May 13, the companies said the converted single turboprop aircraft will enter service on domestic UK routes after ZeroAvia secures the required <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-02-03/faa-approves-zeroavias-certification-basis-electric">certification</a> for the 600-kilowatt ZA600 powertrain.
RVL, which is based at East Midlands Airport, will lease the Caravans from asset management group Monte. The announcement did not specify how many aircraft have been ordered or when they will be retrofitted and available to start commercial flights.
According to ZeroAvia, it is working with RVL and Monte on plans to convert other small turboprop aircraft to hydrogen-electric propulsion. ZeroAvia, which has operations in the UK and the U.S., is also developing the ZA600 and the two-megawatt ZA2000 powertrains for larger passenger-carrying airliners with up to 80 seats, such as the Dash 8 400 and the ATR72. The company has previously indicated that the first ZA600 retrofits could be completed by the end of 2025, with the ZA2000 to follow in 2027.
“Today is a proud day for all of our team in our pursuit of a clean future of flight as we now have a confirmed launch operator with concrete plans to fly aircraft powered by the ZA600 engine,” said ZeroAvia’s CEO and founder, Val Miftakhov. “We have the engine design; we have the integration plans for the launch airframe; we have the solutions to provide the hydrogen fuel; and we have the customers wanting to operate the first routes. Now we need to double our attention on the certification testing that will get this route flying and then ramp up production for our other confirmed ZA600 customers.”

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

UK Cargo Operator Plans To Fly ZeroAvia’s Hydrogen-powered Caravan Aircraft

Single turboprop aircraft will be leased from asset management group Monte

RVL Aviation will fly domestic UK freight services using Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft converted to run on ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system.

Cargo Operator Plans To Fly Hydrogen-powered Caravan Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

FAA approves first G-1 certification basis for a hybrid-electric aircraft powertrain

Ampaire Scores FAA G-1 for Hybrid-electric Propulsion System

New version of VX4 aircraft will fly 1,000 miles with a 1,100-kg payload

Vertical Confirms Plans for Longer-range Hybrid-electric VTOL Aircraft

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Principals in motorcycle engine design make sense for aviation.

Kawasaki’s Clean-sheet Aero Engine Design Draws on Motorcycle Engineering Expertise

Thrust test stand has been manufactured and is being installed in New York

Wright Prepares To Expand Electric Propulsion System Tests

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

 HTF7000 turbofan fleet hit 10 million flight hours last year

StandardAero Takes 1,500th HTF7000 for Heavy Mx 

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

Meanwhile, eVTOL aircraft developer Volocopter is being integrated by new owner Diamond

Diamond Aircraft Leads Hydrogen-electric Hybrid Propulsion Project

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.

In this article

ZeroAvia

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