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

Houston is stepping up its plans to be an early base for autonomous eVTOL air taxi services, with officials representing the most populous city in Texas this week signing a memorandum of understanding with aircraft developer Wisk Aero. The partnership announced on June 17 covers the development of vertiports at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport that could be used by Wisk’s 6th Generation aircraft, which is expected to enter service at the end of the decade.
The collaboration with Houston Airports builds on a partnership between Wisk and the Greater Houston suburb of Sugar Land, which the Boeing subsidiary <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-22/houston-suburb-sugar-land-prepares-autonomous-evtol-air-taxi-services">announced in February</a>. It will expand the scope of strategic planning and community outreach by Wisk and officials representing the city, which has a population of almost 7.4 million people.
Over the next 12 months, Wisk and Houston Airports will develop infrastructure and routes for the all-electric 6th Generation aircraft, which is expected to have a range of almost 80 nm and speeds of up to 120 knots. A ground-based supervisor will monitor autonomous flights by multiple aircraft, coordinating operations with air traffic controllers as required.
Since it produced its first-generation eVTOL prototype in 2010, Wisk has flown more than 1,700 flight tests and is now preparing to fly what it refers to as the Gen 6 aircraft. The California-based company is aiming to have the four-passenger model certified to operate in IFR conditions.
The agreement gives scope for additional operating sites to be assessed across the Greater Houston area. The partners will also make plans for aircraft maintenance and pilot training facilities.
“Texas is quickly becoming a leader, not only in advanced air mobility but in ushering in safe, autonomous flight here in the U.S.,” said Wisk’s CEO Brian Yutko. “Connecting suburbs to Houston’s airports, business centers, and prime tourist destinations through autonomous, sustainable air travel will create a new form of urban mobility and have tremendous economic and workforce impacts, supporting the growth of the Houston region.”
In November 2023, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Arlington Municipal Airport announced a similar partnership with Overair, which is developing the six-seat Butterfly eVTOL aircraft. Officials in Arlington want to have vertiports operational in time for the city to host the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-11-16/overair-backs-efforts-launch-evtol-air-services-dallas-fort-worth-metroplex">World Cup soccer tournament in 2026</a>, with flights connecting the airports with local attractions such as the Six Flags Over Texas theme park and Hurricane Harbor, as well as sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Houston and Wisk Expand Plans for Autonomous eVTOL Air Services

The eVTOL aircraft developer is building on a partnership with Houston suburb Sugar Land

Airports in the Greater Houston area are working with Boeing subsidiary Wisk to develop vertiports that could be used by its autonomous 6th Generation model. 

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.

Palm Beach closure will accommodate work being done in the runway's surrounding area

KPBI To Shut Down Runway for Three Months

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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.

Dubai's Road and Transport Authority is involved in construction of four vertiports

Joby and Skyports Start Building First Dubai Vertiport for eVTOL Air Taxis

Matt Thurber

Ballot measure would have ceded decisions on runway expansion to residents

Aspen Residents Vote for County Control of Airport

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.

Aircraft owners will no longer have to fly to other airports to buy fuel

High-octane Unleaded Avgas is Now Available at Reid-Hillview Airport in California

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Reid-Hillview Starts Pumping High-octane Unleaded Avgas 

Jessica Reed

Strategic co-branding agreement bolsters ground support network

Universal Aviation Enters Portugal and Cape Verde with Safeport Partnership

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

In this article

Wisk Aero

More In Airports

KPBI To Shut Down Runway for Three Months

Palm Beach closure will accommodate work being done in the runway's surrounding area

Joby and Skyports Start Building First Dubai Vertiport for eVTOL Air Taxis

Dubai's Road and Transport Authority is involved in construction of four vertiports

Aspen Residents Vote for County Control of Airport

Ballot measure would have ceded decisions on runway expansion to residents

High-octane Unleaded Avgas is Now Available at Reid-Hillview Airport in California

Aircraft owners will no longer have to fly to other airports to buy fuel

Reid-Hillview Starts Pumping High-octane Unleaded Avgas

Aircraft owners will no longer have to fly to other airports to buy fuel

Universal Aviation Enters Portugal and Cape Verde with Safeport Partnership

Strategic co-branding agreement bolsters ground support network

Universal's ClearVision Adapts to Airport Lighting Changes

The ClearVision EVS-5000 features multispectral camera technology

Post-Milton, Florida Airports Pick Up the Pieces

Following the Category 3 storm, most Florida airports are back in service

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN