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

SkyDrive is conducting a feasibility study to integrate air taxi flights using its three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft with local railway services in Japan. On July 4, the company signed a cooperation agreement with the Kyushu Railway Company, which operates services on Japan’s third-largest island.
As part of the Japan Rail network, the train company is eager to encourage the growth of complementary businesses and services around its stations. It will work with Japan-based SkyDrive to explore how eVTOL flights could improve connections for local travelers and tourists, including the possibility of developing vertiports next to train stations.
On June 28, SkyDrive signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand’s Saha Group to explore plans to introduce eVTOL air services to the Southeast Asian country. Saha companies are active in developing industrial estates and also operate a number of private airfields in Thailand.
The partners will focus on air taxi use cases in Sri Racha, Pattaya, and Phuket. Through Saha’s Japanese subsidiary, they will also turn their attention to opportunities in Japan.
In late April, the FAA accepted SkyDrive’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-18/japans-skydrive-begins-faa-type-certification-evtol-aircraft">application for type certification</a> of the SD-05 vehicle, which the company aims to introduce to the U.S. market. This process will seek validation of the type certification the manufacturer aims to achieve with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau in 2026.

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

Japanese Train Operator and SkyDrive Seek to Integrate eVTOL Air Services 

The Japanese manufacturer launched a partnership with Kyushu Railway Company

SkyDrive is exploring how to integrate eVTOL air taxi services with train stations in Japan and is also looking at opportunities in Thailand with partners.

Japanese Train Operator Seeks to Integrate eVTOL Air Taxi Services

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