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

Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer TCab Tech has closed a Series B+ funding round, announcing on March 27 that it has now raised a total of $100 million. The Shanghai-based company did not disclose the amount raised in the latest round, which it said was backed by Grand NeoBay Venture Capital and Chifortune Venture Capital.
In March 2024, TCab Tech raised $20 million through a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-28/chinese-evtol-aircraft-developer-tcab-raises-20-million">Series A funding round</a> to support development of its four-passenger E20 eVTOL model. At the time, the company said it aimed to complete type certification with the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2025, but its latest statement this week did not provide an update on this timeline beyond confirming the completion of the G-1 issue paper stage in December 2024. In August 2023, the company flew a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-08-16/tcab-starts-flight-testing-evtol-aircraft-technology-demonstrator">technology demonstrator</a>.
The tiltrotor design is expected to support a range of up to around 109 nm. TCab Tech’s statement this week mentioned an anticipated cruise speed of 174 knots, faster than the 140 knots reported last year. It also said that the E20 will feature an 800-volt ultra-fast charging system for the batteries that will power the aircraft’s six <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-05-31/tcab-tech-chooses-safrans-motors-power-five-seat-e20-evtol-aircraft">Safran electric motors</a>.
“The new funding will drive TCab Tech’s industrialization plan and further strengthen partnerships to develop vertiport infrastructure and regional air routes,” the company said in a written statement. “Investors will also contribute expertise in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-02-20/chinas-low-altitude-economy-path-evtol-air-taxi-services">low-altitude economy policies</a> and cross-industry resources, positioning the company to dominate the Yangtze River Delta’s emerging aerial mobility market.”

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

China’s TCab Tech Raises More Funds for E20 eVTOL Aircraft 

Shanghai-based company says program funding now tops $100 million 

A Series B+ funding round boosted TCab Tech’s work on its E20 eVTOL aircraft, but it is unclear whether Chinese type certification will be complete this year.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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AIN Staff

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.

AIN 2025 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit, West –Insurance & risk, moderated by Brint Smith, Aviation Alliant Insurance Services: 

Insurance and Risk in Business Aviation

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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.

Escalating U.S.-China trade war could complicate eVTOL supply chains

China’s EHang Says U.S. Tariffs Will Not Affect eVTOL Business

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

CEO calls for transatlantic unity, arguing that no one wins from a trade war

France’s Daher Aircraft Says Its Investments Boost U.S. Aviation

Curt Epstein

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

The program offers extra features for Titan-branded FBOs

Titan Aerospace Insurance Rolls Out New FBO Program

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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.

Fewer than half of Volocopter’s employees will resume work after the restructuring

Wanfeng’s Diamond Aircraft Absorbs eVTOL Developer Volocopter 

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

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