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.

Read the latest news about Archer Aviation. 

Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 on Tuesday become the first all-electric aircraft to land at a New York City airport. In partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, one of Beta’s prototypes landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) after a passenger-carrying demonstration flight with a pilot and four passengers, including Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal and Republic Airways president Matt Koscal.
According to Beta, the energy cost for the 45-minute flight was just $7 compared with what it estimated as $160 in fuel costs for a helicopter making the same trip. The Alia flew at 135 knots, operating under a market survey ticket that the FAA issued to the Vermont-based manufacturer, allowing it to operate outside its primary test area.
New York City officials present to mark the Alia’s arrival at KJFK said that they are eager to encourage the adoption of advanced air mobility services as part of wider efforts to decarbonize public transportation. The flight started at East Hampton Airport on Long Island.
For the past six years, Beta has been working on both the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-23/betas-alia-cx300-electric-aircraft-starts-european-tour">conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model</a> and its Alia 250 eVTOL sibling. It is aiming to achieve FAA type certification with the former by the end of 2025.
Just over four years ago, Blade Air Mobility signed a provisional purchase agreement to buy up to 20 Alia aircraft for its charter flight fleet. In February 2023, Vermont-based Beta demonstrated the aircraft at <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-02-14/beta-and-blade-air-mobility-demonstrate-alia-250-evtol-aircraft-new-york">Westchester County Airport</a> in White Plains, New York.
“This electric aircraft flight from Long Island to New York City highlights that quiet and emission-free flight is quickly becoming a reality, benefiting Blade’s fliers, local residents, and other key stakeholders,” Wiesenthal commented. “I can think of no better way to demonstrate our company’s commitment to quiet, electric aircraft commercialization than my participation on this flight as a passenger myself.”
<h2>Airlines Seek Electric Flights to the Big Apple</h2>
In December 2023, the Port Authority issued a “request for innovation” seeking proposals from multiple companies to demonstrate next-generation aircraft to better understand their capabilities, potential applications, and both regulatory and infrastructure requirements. Rival eVTOL aircraft developers Joby and Archer have previously announced plans for shuttle services connecting New York City airports with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-04-17/archer-and-united-reveal-new-york-city-evtol-network">United Airlines</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/video/jobys-evtol-aircraft-new-york-city-previews-future-commuting">Delta Air Lines</a>.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Beta Technologies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e16b164f-f403-4ffc-beda-8e836a47a653" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BETA%20at%20JFK_Passengers%20Aboard%20ALIA.jpg" width="6678" height="4452" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Executives from Blade Air Mobility and Republic Airways were on board the Alia flight into JFK.</figcaption>
</figure>

Republic Airways has expressed interest in introducing electric aircraft to its operations. “With its all-electric design, impressive performance characteristics, and a thoughtful approach to passenger comfort, this aircraft reflects real progress in sustainable regional mobility,” Koscal said. “We’re looking forward to continuing our engagement with Beta as we evaluate how their performance might complement our training programs and our overall commitment to advanced air mobility.”
New York City is working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its network by 2050. “The Port Authority has long positioned itself as a testbed for transportation technologies of tomorrow, and this historic flight is the latest example of how we’re working to bring innovation into real-world infrastructure,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We’re excited about the potential for innovations like advanced air mobility to ease regional travel while reducing emissions and noise pollution.”

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

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