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 Archer Aviation. 

Korean Air plans to operate up to 100 of Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft and has begun a partnership with the manufacturer to launch commercial services. Under an agreement announced on October 20, the companies said they are now exploring multiple use cases for the vehicle, which could includes government applications.
According to Archer, the partnership covers exclusive arrangements to operate the four-passenger Midnight in South Korea. In October 2023, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-10-18/korean-partnerships-evtol-aircraft-developers-boost-countrys-plans-advanced">Korean Air</a> signed a strategic partnership with Hyundai-backed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-08-28/hyundai-seeks-new-leadership-evtol-subsidiary-supernal">Supernal</a>, but it remains unclear what progress it is making with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-08-28/hyundai-seeks-new-leadership-evtol-subsidiary-supernal">its plans for an eVTOL aircraft</a>. Joby Aviation and Eve Air Mobility also have <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-09-29/korea-steps-urban-air-mobility-ambitions-new-partnerships?_gl=1*rbm6wx*_gcl_au*MjEwNTU1MDg5OC4xNzU4Njk3Mjg3">Korean partnerships</a> in place.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is leading the government’s efforts to prioritize advanced air mobility. The agreement with Korean Air, which is owned by the Hanjin Group, does not specify when the Midnight orders will be firmed up but did state that the operator will provide expertise in aircraft operations and maintenance.
“The partnership with Archer will accelerate Korea’s leadership in next-generation air mobility,” said Jin Kyu Lim, head of the airliner’s Aerospace Business unit. “By combining Archer’s industry-leading eVTOL technology with Korean Air’s five decades of aerospace MRO and manufacturing expertise and strong commitment to innovation, we aim to lay the foundation for the next generation of air mobility in the Republic of Korea.”
In May 2024, Archer announced that South Korean taxi and rideshare and booking platform <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-30/archer-joins-korean-uam-challenge-kakao-mobility">Kakao Mobility </a>agreed to acquire up to 50 Midnight aircraft in a deal provisionally valued at $250 million. At the time, the companies said they planned to work together in the government-backed Korean Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge.
&nbsp;

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

Korean Air Signs Partnership With eVTOL Aircraft Developer Archer

Agreement could extend to orders for up to 100 of the four-passenger Midnight aircraft

Korean Air is stepping up South Korea's efforts to be an early adopter of advanced air mobility through a partnership with eVTOL aircraft developer Archer.

Korean Air Partners With eVTOL Aircraft Developer Archer

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 environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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.

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

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

Dubai Air Show daily issues will include special reports from Leeham News & Analysis

AIN Features More Leeham Commercial Aviation Coverage

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

Alaskan Cargo Carrier Orders Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

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

The 12-passenger Viceroy could connect island and highland communities

Scotland Considers Electric Seagliders to Replace Aging Ferries

Joby will fly its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft at the Expo 2025 event in Osaka this October

Japanese Airline ANA Expands eVTOL Air Taxi Alliance with Joby

Start-up has committed to buy five of the nine-passenger electric amphibious aircraft

Cambodian Airline Will Connect Coastal Towns with Elfly’s Noemi

Sarah Rose

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.

In this article

Archer Aviation

More In Airlines

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

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

AIN Features More Leeham Commercial Aviation Coverage

Dubai Air Show daily issues will include special reports from Leeham News & Analysis

Alaskan Cargo Carrier Orders Beta's CX300 Electric Aircraft

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

Scotland Considers Electric Seagliders to Replace Aging Ferries

The 12-passenger Viceroy could connect island and highland communities

Japanese Airline ANA Expands eVTOL Air Taxi Alliance with Joby

Joby will fly its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft at the Expo 2025 event in Osaka this October

Cambodian Airline Will Connect Coastal Towns with Elfly’s Noemi

Start-up has committed to buy five of the nine-passenger electric amphibious aircraft

Airlink Aviation Partners Rally for Humanitarian Aid

$17 million pledged for disaster relief

Vietjet Boosts Narrowbody Fleet with A321neo Order

Vietnamese carrier also recently ordered more A330neos

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN