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.

Vertical Aerospace this week became the latest eVTOL aircraft manufacturer to adopt the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) battery charging system for the VX4 model it is developing. On March 31, the UK-based company confirmed that it has purchased a pair of the CCS chargers developed by Beta Technologies, which also uses them for its CX300 and Alia 250 electric aircraft.
Adoption of the CCS architecture means that multiple different electric aircraft and ground vehicles can use the same chargers at a growing number of locations. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association, which includes several eVTOL developers, has called for a standardized approach to charging systems. In a white paper titled <a href="https://prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/archerv2/fb524537-1541-4d7e-b4b5-0f812862e1a4_Interoperability_of_Electric_Charging_Infrastructure_v1_0.pdf">Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure,</a> the infrastructure subcommittee of the group’s electric propulsion and innovation committee argued that global standardization will be critical to scaling and commercializing electric aviation.
The CCS standard has already been adopted by Californian eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation, which has previously purchased chargers from Beta in 2023. In April 2024, the Underwriters Laboratory safety organization certified Beta’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-19/betas-charge-cube-earns-ul-safety-certification">“Charge Cube”</a> Level 3 DC fast charger, and the company has been installing the equipment in multiple locations across the U.S. The CCS standard means that charger sockets are compatible with standard-format plugs.
“With certification efforts with five aviation authorities and customers across four continents, Vertical, together with Beta and Archer, choosing this standard means the industry has decided,” commented Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. “Standardizing charging infrastructure is a crucial step in making electric aviation commercially viable. By adopting the CCS, we’re ensuring VX4 can integrate seamlessly into a shared charging network, which is great news for our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering a scalable eVTOL ecosystem.”

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.

Vertical Adopts Standardized Chargers for VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Batteries

UK manufacturer has purchased battery chargers from electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies

Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 is the latest electric aircraft to use Combined Charging Standard battery chargers, having purchased equipment from Beta Technologies.

Vertical Adopts Standardized Chargers for eVTOL Aircraft Batteries

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

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.

Association argues move will drive talent from Canada

CBAA Slams Proposed Business Jet Tax Changes

Amy Wilder

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

NBAA praises rule as critical for business aviation security

FAA Allows Aircraft Owners To Shield Registration Details

FAA Allows Owners To Shield Registration Details

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

Initial commercial flights in China are limited to sightseeing and tourism

EHang Earns World’s First eVTOL Air Operator Certificate

Kerry Lynch

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.

Caucus was established last year with airline-style Part 380 security a priority

Safety Caucus Renews with Eye on Public Charter Security

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

National Weather Service is forced to curtail data-collection activities

U.S. Wx Service Budget Cuts Threaten Forecasting Accuracy

Both Bunce and Miller are retiring in April after decades in their respective positions

NBAA Recognizes GAMA’s Bunce, Signature’s Miller

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

In this article

Vertical Aerospace

Beta Technologies

More In Regulations and Government

CBAA Slams Proposed Business Jet Tax Changes

Association argues move will drive talent from Canada

FAA Allows Aircraft Owners To Shield Registration Details

NBAA praises rule as critical for business aviation security

FAA Allows Owners To Shield Registration Details

NBAA praises rule as critical for business aviation security

EHang Earns World’s First eVTOL Air Operator Certificate

Initial commercial flights in China are limited to sightseeing and tourism

Safety Caucus Renews with Eye on Public Charter Security

Caucus was established last year with airline-style Part 380 security a priority

U.S. Wx Service Budget Cuts Threaten Forecasting Accuracy

National Weather Service is forced to curtail data-collection activities

NBAA Recognizes GAMA’s Bunce, Signature’s Miller

Both Bunce and Miller are retiring in April after decades in their respective positions

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Sea trials with a prototype are underway in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay

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