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.

Air New Zealand has begun a series of test flights with Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric aircraft. On October 17, the carrier flew the six-seater on an initial flight from Tauranga Airport before flying it 43 nm to Hamilton Airport where it will be based until December when it is due to relocate to Wellington International Airport.
The U.S. manufacturer is leasing the aircraft to Air New Zealand so that it can be evaluated as part of the Star Alliance operator’s Next Generation Aircraft program. In December 2024, the airline confirmed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-12-11/air-new-zealand-orders-beta-alia-cx300-demonstrator-aircraft">an earlier agreement</a> to buy up to 23 Alia CX300s, saying that it aimed to be ready to launch commercial cargo operations in 2026.
While the CX300 is based at Hamilton Airport, which is on New Zealand’s north island, it will be used for a series of flights in a range of conditions and altitudes. From December, the technical demonstration will continue from Wellington with 45-nm flights to and from Blenheim, which is across the Cook Strait on the country’s south island.
<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-08-11/bristow-and-beta-starts-testing-electric-aircraft-routes">Helicopter group Bristow</a> start operational trials with a CX300 in August as it prepares to deploy the aircraft on routes in Norway. Vermont-based Beta is also developing an eVTOL aircraft called the Alia 250, but aims to certify the conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model first in 2026.
In late September, Beta confirmed plans for an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-09-30/beta-set-ipo-plans-more-electric-aircraft">initial public offering</a> on the New York Stock Exchange. In a follow-up filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1784570/000119312525240285/d89594ds1a.htm">the company reported</a> that it plans to offer 25 million shares priced at between $27 and $33, equating to a potential raise of between $675 million and $825 million. It recently reached strategic partnership agreements with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-09-29/general-dynamics-enlists-beta-undersea-vehicle-propulsion">General Dynamics</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-09-04/ge-invests-300-million-betas-hybrid-electric-propulsion-plans">GE Aerospace</a>, with the latter having invested $300 million in the start-up.
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News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

Air New Zealand Starts Flight Trials With Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

The airline previously agreed to buy up to 23 of the fixed-wing model

Over the next four months, Air New Zealand will conduct flight trials with Beta's Alia CX300 electric aircraft as it prepares to start cargo operations in 2026.

Air New Zealand Starts Trials With Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

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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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