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

Skyhop Aviation, an Indian start-up launching commercial seaplane operations, has agreed to add 15 of Noemi Aerospace's electric amphibious aircraft to its fleet. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on August 25 under which Skyhop said it plans to take the first 10 of the 9-passenger aircraft in 2030.
The new operator’s initial business model is focused on scheduled services connecting five islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago off India’s southwest coast. In April, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an air operator certificate to Skyhop, which is headquartered near the capital Delhi, following test flights with its 19-seat De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane.
Norway-based Noemi is now working with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-08-14/noemi-taps-seaplane-demand-india-and-philippines">several stakeholders in India</a>, which it views as an early adopter of its new generation seaplane. These initiatives followed a state visit to Norway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May, which opened the door for company founder and CEO Eric Lithun to meet with civil aviation minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji.&nbsp;
The Indian government’s UDAN regional connectivity program calls for around 150 seaplane routes to be established. Skyhop, which is part of the response to this policy and aims to operate a fleet of 40 aircraft by 2030, will now work with Noemi to evaluate technical, operational, commercial and regulatory requirements for bringing the electric seaplane into service.
"With our vast coastline, islands, rivers and lakes, seaplanes can fundamentally change how we connect regions where conventional airport infrastructure is difficult or impractical to build," said Skyhop founder and CEO Avani Singh. "Our immediate priority is to build a safe, reliable and scalable seaplane network across India. As we build that network, we also have an opportunity to think ahead about what the next fleet should look like. Electric and hybrid aircraft could become an important part of that transition, particularly for short regional routes."
Noemi aims to start test flights with a full-scale prototype in 2027 as it targets type certification in 2030. The company is also working on plans for a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-05-19/noemi-reveals-multi-mission-strategy-electric-amphibious">hybrid-electric version of the aircraft</a> that would offer increased payload and range.

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

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