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

Blade Urban Air Mobility is preparing to serve visitors to the 2025 Ryder Cup golf tournament, which starts on Thursday at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Now owned by eVTOL aircraft developer Joby Aviation,&nbsp;the helicopter flight broker is the official “air mobility provider” for the biennial contest between the U.S. and European teams.
The company expects its charter partners to carry around 3,000 passengers on 12-minute helicopter flights from three Blade Lounge sites in Manhattan and the surrounding New York City area during the four-day tournament. Blade will operate vertiports at the Bethpage course and also at the nearby Republic Airport (KFRG).
Blade’s Ryder Cup Vertiport consists of 15 landing zones at the Bethpage Red course, from where guests will be quickly transported in golf carts to the championship grounds via the PGA’s VIP area. There is also a landing zone for amphibious aircraft at Republic Airport.
Joby plans to display one of its four-passenger eVTOL air taxis at the event, as well as allowing attendees to try its flight simulator. Special Ryder Cup-themed cocktails will be served in the Blade Ryder Cup Lounge, which will also be equipped with a golf simulator.
According to Joby, its eVTOL air taxis will be available for the next Ryder Cup staged in the U.S. in 2029.

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