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

Read the latest news about Beta Technologies.

Heart Aerospace selected Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York as the site where it will start flight tests in second-quarter 2025 with a demonstrator version of its ES-30 hybrid-electric regional airliner, it announced November 26. According to the Sweden-based start-up, these tests will validate its electric propulsion system, which is expected to support all-electric range of almost 109 nm. That range will double when operating with hybrid power from a turbine engine.
The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-13/heart-rolls-out-technology-demonstrator-hybrid-electric">X1 technology demonstrator</a> is now undergoing ground testing at Heart’s headquarters in Gothenburg. It intends to move the aircraft across the Atlantic to the U.S. flight-test site early in the new year.
Plattsburgh International Airport is also being used as a flight-test base by <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-23/beta-achieves-piloted-evtol-aircraft-transition-flights">local company Beta Technologies</a>, which is developing its Alia family of electric aircraft. Last year, Beta opened its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-10-02/beta-opens-net-zero-carbon-electric-aircraft-factory-vermont">manufacturing facility</a> in nearby Burlington, Vermont.
Heart, which also has an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-17/heart-sets-us-rd-hub-es-30-hybrid-electric-regional-airliner">engineering center in California</a>, said it chose Plattsburgh for flight testing because the surrounding Champlain Valley has become a hub for emerging transportation technology.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Plattsburgh International Airport in New York" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d4fe1e5-ce63-4e3d-b963-40d165e2f608" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Heart%20aircraft%20%20Nov%202024%20%20a9a8481f584f54f3_org_0.jpeg" width="5125" height="3227" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York is also used for flight testing by Beta Technologies.</figcaption>
</figure>

“We’re thrilled to join Plattsburgh’s thriving aerospace community as we push the boundaries of air travel towards a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Heart Aerospace co-founder and CEO Anders Forslund. “Electric commercial airplanes have the potential to lower operating costs for U.S. airlines, creating a powerful opportunity to re-establish regional air routes that stimulate local economies, boost tourism, and enhance access to urban hubs. We’re impressed by the leadership shown by New York’s North Country region in the support of next-generation airplanes.”

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Heart Will Start ES-30 Hybrid-Electric Airliner Flight Tests in Plattsburgh

Technology demonstrator will be brought across the Atlantic from Sweden in early 2025

Heart Aerospace has chosen Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York as the base for flight testing its 30-seat ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft.

Heart Selects New York Site For ES-30 Regional Airliner Flight Testing

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