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

Beta Technologies has filed an S-1 form with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, giving notice of its intention to raise equity capital through an initial public offering (IPO). The filing on September 29 does not indicate when an unspecified number of Class A shares will be issued or give estimated pricing, but it does reveal some interesting aspects of the U.S. start-up’s ambitions beyond its current Alia family of electric aircraft.
Intriguingly, the S-1 filing shows a design for a 19-passenger fixed-wing aircraft that appears intended for regional airline services. The unnamed design is expected to be powered by Beta’s design for its H500A 427-kilowatt electric motor, which has a 455-kilowatt sibling intended for other VTOL applications.
In addition to the Alia 250 eVTOL and longer-range CX300 conventional takeoff and landing models, Beta has firmed up plans for an autonomous, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft referred to as the MV250. The U.S. military is cited as a likely customer for the vehicle with an anticipated payload of 2,000 pounds and range of 250 nm at a projected price of between $5 million and $10 million.
Beta’s S-1 submission also informs prospective investors about its battery technology and electric charging equipment. The company stated that it views the total addressable market for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft to amount to around 60,000 units through 2035, with an assumed value of $250 billion based on a unit price of $4 million.
According to Beta, it now estimates that the CX300 aircraft will achieve type certification in late 2026 or early 2027, with launch customer Bristow already <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-08-11/bristow-and-beta-starts-testing-electric-aircraft-routes">conducting flight trials in Norway</a>. The Alia 250 eVTOL vehicle is expected to follow 12 months later.
Beta’s low-key IPO initiative follows closely on a pair of partnership announcements with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-09-29/general-dynamics-enlists-beta-undersea-vehicle-propulsion">General Dynamics</a> and GE Aerospace. The latter of these aerospace and defense industry giants announced a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-09-04/ge-invests-300-million-betas-hybrid-electric-propulsion-plans">$300 million investment</a> in the company on September 4.

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

Beta Set To Launch IPO, Touting More Electric and Autonomous Aircraft

U.S. start-up shares plans to expand its portfolio 

Plans revealed in Beta Technologies’ SEC filing for an IPO include a 19-passenger electric aircraft and an autonomous military version of the Alia CX300.

Beta Set for IPO with Plans for More Electric Aircraft

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 about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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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Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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Charlotte Bailey

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Chris Sloan

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.

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