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

Airbus Helicopters AS365, EC130, and H130 series

Charles Alcock

French charter operator Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services has signed an agreement to buy a pair of Volocopter’s VoloCity two-seat eVTOL aircraft. The deal was announced on February 18 with the German manufacturer still seeking new investors to avoid insolvency.
The companies said they aim to launch piloted eVTOL air taxi services in the Paris area with the VoloCity, which has a range of just under 20 nm. The partnership is expected to be extended to support operations in both the southwest and southeast of France, with Volocopter committed to providing support including pilot training, maintenance and operations through its VoloIQ fleet management software.
Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services operates a rotorcraft fleet mainly consisting of Airbus H125 and H130 models. It provides charter flights to popular resorts including several in the French Alps, as well as conducting lifting and monitoring missions.
Almost eight weeks since filing <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-12-30/volocopter-files-insolvency-seeks-financing">pre-insolvency proceedings</a> on December 26, the court-appointed administrator Tobias Wahl is still seeking new investors for Volocopter in a process that can run for up to three months. Wahl is tasked with finding “a viable solution to maintain regular operations outside insolvency proceedings,” with the company’s staff still working.
“We are excited to partner with Jet Systems and secure eVTOL operations in Paris, where we have invested our efforts for many years,” said Volocopter’s managing director and chief operating officer, Andreas Fehring. “With 75% of our EASA audits completed, Volocopter is clos to and committed to achieving VoloCity’s EASA certification to meet our customers expectations and cities’ commitments to bring sustainable mobilities into service.”
In a June 2024 program update, Volocopter's management team said it had <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-07/volocopter-says-it-has-funding-complete-certification-evtol">sufficient funding</a> to complete EASA type certification. However, the process appears to be taking longer than anticipated, with the company having aimed to have the approval in time to conduct planned demonstration flights during last summer's Paris Olympic Games.
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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL Aircraft

Sales agreement signed as German manufacturer seeks funding to avoid insolvency

French charter operator Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services wants to deploy the two-seat VoloCity eVTOL aircraft for short taxi flights in the Paris area.

French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL

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In this article

AS350/H125

AS365/EC130/H130

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