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

While none of the major business jet manufacturers are at EBACE 2025, some of the start-ups looking to replace them showed up. Sessions on the event’s Innovation &amp; Sustainability stage on Tuesday heard from companies developing electric aircraft they say will not only reduce the industry’s environmental footprint, but also prepare the way for more inclusive air transport business models bringing affordable and flexible flight options to smaller communities.
In Toulouse, Beyond Aero is developing a six- to eight-passenger business jet that will use gaseous hydrogen to produce electical power via fuel cells for flights of up to 800 nm. The start-up, which has attracted experienced engineers from aerospace giants including Airbus and Embraer, believes it can certify <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-03-17/beyond-aero-reveals-redesign-hydrogen-business-jet">the BYA-1 model</a> under EASA’s CS23 rules by 2030. Yannick Schwarzenbart, the company’s head of program industrialization, said the performance it delivers will meet around 80% of current use cases for an aircraft of that size.
Germany’s Vaeridion is betting on step changes in battery technology as it works on a nine-passenger electric aircraft that initially will operate on routes of up to 400 kilometers (217 nm). According to executive advisor Thorsten Luft, the Microliner model will compete with any current mode of ground transportation trips of up to four hours, offering 40-minute flights at a price point equivalent to first-class train tickets.
Luft said aircraft like these can open up the sort of access currently only available at much higher costs for business aviation travellers using around 1,500 underserved small airports across Europe. Vaeridion is also <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-05-07/electric-microliner-makes-pitch-be-travel-disruptor">targeting service entry in 2030</a>&nbsp;and expects to be flying a full-scale prototype by 2029.
In the U.S., Electra Aero has similar ambitions as a disruptor with its hybrid-electric EL9 nine-seater and has started Series C fundraising efforts. The company’s “secret sauce” is its blown-lift wing that, according to Marc Ausman, v-p for sales and support, allows the aircraft to operate from strips of just 150 feet. That would open up commercial flight models that are not confined by access to airports.
According to Luft, it may take another decade for the mainstream business aviation sector to match the decarbonizing ambitions of start-ups such as Vaeridion. At Beyond Aero, Schwarzenbart told AIN that the major business jet OEMs appear not to have committed to getting beyond fossil fuel propulsion because the investment and effort required would excessively dilute their main revenue streams from existing aircraft sales and product support.
That said, Embraer was present in the panel sessions through its Eve Air Mobility offshoot, which is developing a four-passenger eVTOL. It expects to fly a proof-of-concept model later this year and has already signed non-binding letters of intent for around 2,900 eVTOLs with 30 different prospective operators.

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.

Electric Upstarts Bid To Expand Business Aviation Horizons

EBACE conference sessions hear from disruptors getting beyond fossil fuel propulsion

The absence of business jet OEMs at EBACE 2025 created a void partly filled by electric aviation start-ups like Vaeridian, Electra Aero, Beyond Aero and Eve.

Electric Upstarts Bid To Expand Bizav's Horizons

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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.

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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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.

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