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

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Alaska-based cargo operator Ryan Air has signed a deposit-backed agreement to add Beta Technologies’s CX300 electric aircraft to its fleet. The deal announced on September 24 does not specify how many of the conventional takeoff and landing models the carrier will buy, but does include up to 10 of the U.S. manufacturer’s electric Charge Cubes.
Ryan Air currently operates a mixed fleet of turboprop aircraft including the Cessna 207 and 208 models, as well as the Pilatus PC-12, the Casa 212, and the Saab 340. Operating from eight bases, the family-run business supports 73 remote communities across Alaska, including over tribes of native Americans, that depend on air, water or snowmobile transportation for critical supplies.
The operator provides support for the Alaska Health service, as well as for regional and village corporations, and partners including FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service. Flying in and out of locations across the state, Ryan Air’s network is larger than the U.S. West Coast.
“Ryan Air’s mission has always been to raise the quality of life for the people we serve,” said&nbsp;the airline’s president Lee Ryan. “For more than a century, our family has been involved in carrying the mail, and since 1953 we have&nbsp;operated&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;to connect Alaska’s most remote communities. From the dog team era to the jet age, from visual navigation and LORAN to NextGen ADS-B and GPS,&nbsp;we’ve&nbsp;embraced each wave of progress to better serve our state. Now, as we enter the advanced air mobility era with&nbsp;Beta, we are excited to continue that tradition — delivering safety, innovation, and efficient technology to Alaska and beyond.”&nbsp;
According to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-09-04/ge-invests-300-million-betas-hybrid-electric-propulsion-plans">Beta</a>, the CX300 can carry 1,250 pounds of freight or five passengers. The Vermont-based manufacturer is aiming to complete FAA type certification in 2026, and is also developing an eVTOL model called the Alia 250. Other prospective operators of the Beta aircraft including Bristow, Republic Airways, United Therapeutics, UPS and Air New Zealand.

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

Alaskan Cargo Carrier Ryan Air Orders Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

The operator serves 73 remote communities across Alaska, including native tribes

Ryan Air plans to add Beta Technologies' CX300 electric aircraft to its turboprop freighter fleet to deliver vital supplies to remote Alaskan communities.

Alaskan Cargo Carrier Orders Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

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