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

XTI Aircraft Company this week announced a term sheet agreement for an undisclosed lead investor to provide between $17 million and $29 million in fresh investment for its TriFan 600 hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Subject to the completion of due diligence, the deal, which involves a combination of equity and convertible debt, is due to be closed in January.

 


In August, Colorado-based XTI raised $25 million through a Series B private placement. “We’re optimistic that this term sheet will lead to fully funding and closing our Series B round,” said XTI chief executive officer Robert LaBelle. “This is the direct result of our progress over the past 12 months, which included conducting a series of successful initial hover tests, our major collaboration with GE Aviation in July, and receiving 81 orders for the airplane so far. That represents over half a billion dollars in gross revenues upon delivery.”

 


The six-seat TriFan 600, which is not primarily intended for the emerging urban air mobility market, is expected to offer a range of up to 1,200 miles and a cruise speed of 345 mph. Using three ducted fans, the aircraft lifts off vertically before two wing fans rotate forward to transition to horizontal cruise at up to 30,000 feet. XTI sees the eVTOL design vying for applications currently served by conventional fixed-wing business aircraft.

 


Meanwhile, former Cessna president and COO Charlie Johnson rejoined XTI (Booth N1816) as its chief operating officer on October 20. He has previously served on the company’s board for four years and also as interim CEO in 2016.

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.

XTI Aircraft is developing the TriFan 600 eVTOL aircraft

XTI stands to receive up to $29 million in new investment for its TriFan 600 eVTOL aircraft.

XTI Reaches Terms on New Investment in TriFan 600 eVTOL

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

OEM saw a 28% increase from a year ago

Embraer First-quarter Bizjet Deliveries Rise from 2024

Hanneke Weitering

Tennessee Tech students will ground-test the ‘Whisper Ultralight’ powered glider

Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech Team on Quiet Electric Glider

Matt Thurber

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

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.

Companies participating in McKinsey's annual summit meeting are optimistic but say commercialization is still a few years away

Regional Air Mobility Summit Addresses Rebooting Local Air Transportation

Chad Trautvetter

App has a cleaner and more streamlined user interface

Cirrus Aircraft Revamps IQ App, Adds Pro Subscription

Added features include PlaneSync and LED exterior lighting

Daher Upgrades Kodiaks, Sees Higher Deliveries for 2025

Variant includes more than 25 new features and eight new paint schemes

Epic Unveils E1000 AX with Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland

Amy Wilder

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.

NBAA-BACE 2019

More In Aircraft

Embraer First-quarter Bizjet Deliveries Rise from 2024

OEM saw a 28% increase from a year ago

Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech Team on Quiet Electric Glider

Tennessee Tech students will ground-test the ‘Whisper Ultralight’ powered glider

Regional Air Mobility Summit Addresses Rebooting Local Air Transportation

Companies participating in McKinsey's annual summit meeting are optimistic but say commercialization is still a few years away

Cirrus Aircraft Revamps IQ App, Adds Pro Subscription

App has a cleaner and more streamlined user interface

Daher Upgrades Kodiaks, Sees Higher Deliveries for 2025

Added features include PlaneSync and LED exterior lighting

Epic Unveils E1000 AX with Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland

Variant includes more than 25 new features and eight new paint schemes

Foundation Aims for First Learjet Polar Circumnavigation

Flight is a fundraiser to restore Learjet 23-003

ACJneo Type Certificate Validated in China

Local registration opens up more airports and offers tax benefits

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