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

Gulf Air plans to add JetZero’s Z4 blended-wing-body (BWB) airliner to its fleet for routes out of its Bahrain base to destinations in Europe and Asia. On Tuesday morning at the Farnborough Airshow, the carrier signed a letter of intent for an undisclosed number of the in-development 250-seater with preferential delivery positions in the early 2030s.
Also on Tuesday, Japan Airlines expressed interest and support for the Z4 program. The Asian carrier said it is evaluating the aircraft as part of its long-term fleet planning. In 2025, United Airlines signed a provisional agreement to buy up to 200 of the aircraft.
The U.S. start-up aims to fly a prototype in 2027 and in June broke ground for the construction of its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-06-18/jetzero-breaks-ground-z4-factory-north-carolina">manufacturing facility in Greensboro</a>, North Carolina. On Monday, the Export-Import Bank signed a letter of intent with JetZero to explore a $3 billion loan to establish the production line, and the company separately announced plans for an engineering office in Wichita.
JetZero's full-scale demonstrator will fly on a pair of legacy Pratt &amp; Whitney PW2040 turbofans, the engine that powers the Boeing 757, but the company has not yet named an engine for the production Z4. That airplane is expected to carry up to 250 passengers with a range of about 5,000 nm, targeting the so-called <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-13/jetzero-and-natilus-pitch-bwb-alternatives-airbus-boeing">“middle-of-market” segment</a> served by remaining Boeing 757s and 767s, as well as older Airbus A321s and A330s. JetZero claims the BWB airframe alone will cut fuel burn by about 30% compared with the tube-and-wing airliners it aims to replace—a figure the company says could reach 50% with new-generation engines.

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

Gulf Air May Add JetZero’s Z4 Blended-wing-body Airliner to Fleet

Japan Airlines also expresses interest at Farnborough Airshow

JetZero sees the 250-passenger blended-wing-body Z4 twinjet replacing aging “middle-of-market” aircraft on routes of up to 5,000 nm.

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