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

South Korean leasing group Solyu Company has agreed to buy up to 40 of the MDA1 eViator electric commuter being developed by German start up MD Aircraft. Under a letter of intent announced on July 1, Solyu committed to an initial 20 examples of the nine-seater, with options for another 20.
MD Aircraft is targeting a first flight with a technology demonstrator in 2028. In November, during its Series A funding round, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-11-06/md-aircraft-seeks-series-funding-electric-regional-airliner">the company reported</a> that it had progressed from preliminary to detailed design and was producing moulds for its horizontal stabilizer.
With a battery-electric propulsion system that has yet to be fully defined, the MDA1 is expected to have a range of up to around 216 nm. The design features an interchangeable “power bay” for changing out batteries that could potentially be adapted for future hydrogen-electric or hybrid-electric configurations.
According to Solyu, it will deploy the eViators to support new regional air mobility services in Korea and other countries. The company has previously signed sales agreements with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-05/leasing-group-solyu-agrees-buy-jektas-electric-amphibious">electric seaplane developer Jekta</a>, as well as with Eviation for the now defunct <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-09-06/korean-lessor-solyu-orders-25-eviation-alice-aircraft">Alice nine-seater</a> and France’s Aura Aero for the planned 19-seat <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-06-15/aura-aero-orders-top-650">ERA hybrid-electric regional airliner</a>. It also has an agreement with Japanese eVTOL aircraft developer <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-10-18/korean-partnerships-evtol-aircraft-developers-boost-countrys-plans-advanced">SkyDrive</a> for its three-seat model.
MD Aircraft’s previously announced letters of intent cover provisional orders for 90 more aircraft. Other prospective customers include four European regional airlines: Evia Aero, Inselflieger FLN, Ostfrisischer Flugdienst, and Aer Arann.
“This letter of intent represents an important milestone in our strategy to advance sustainable aviation globally,” said Solyu president Andrew Claerbout. “The MDA1 combines operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and regional connectivity that aligns with our vision for the future of air transportation. We look forward to working closely with MD Aircraft as the program progresses toward certification and entry into service.”

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