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

The first Global Urban Air Summit is set to bring together a diverse cross-section of innovators from the fast-emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector with regulators and investors. The <a href="https://www.farnboroughinternational.org/events/guas/">event</a> will be held at the UK’s Farnborough International Exhibition &amp; Conference Centre from September 3 to 4.

 


The summit’s agenda will begin with a global market overview before focusing on topics such as on-demand ridesharing, ground infrastructure, air traffic management, safety, batteries, 5G communications platforms, and investment opportunities. Among the aircraft manufacturers present will be Airbus, Boeing, Airspace Experience Technologies, Ehang, Neoptera, Bartini, and Volocopter.

 


Speakers booked to date include representatives of leading international regulators and government agencies—Jay Merkle, FAA’s executive director of the office of unmanned aircraft systems; Bob Pearce, NASA’s deputy associate administrator; Ito Takanori, deputy director of the manufacturing industries bureau with Japan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry; and Tim Johnson, policy director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, among others.

 


The conference also will hear from François Sillion, director of Uber’s advanced technologies research center in Paris, who will provide an update on the company’s ambitious plans for flight operations in large cities.

 


“This program&nbsp;delivers on our ambition to create a pivotal event that serves global industry, governments, and regulators with a meaningful opportunity to explore the future for air transport,” said Amanda Stainer, Farnborough International’s chief commercial and partnerships officer. “We’ve developed a program&nbsp;with focus on the right areas—innovation, operations, and investment—and I am very proud of the range and caliber&nbsp;of world-class speakers that are taking part in this 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.

Global Urban Air Summit to Showcase eVTOL Innovation Progress

Global Urban Air Transport Summit, to be held in Farnborough, UK, in September 2019, will include leading manufacturers, regulators and investors.

Global Urban Air Summit Brings Together eVTOL Innovators, Investors, and Regulators

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

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

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

More In Aircraft