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

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Vertiport developer UrbanV has launched a collaboration with prospective eVTOL aircraft operator Future Flight Global (FFG). Under a partnership agreement signed on May 29, the companies said they will initially focus on efforts to launch advanced air mobility services in Rome, where UrbanV is based, before expanding to other sites at Bologna and Venice, as well as in the south of France, North America, South America and the Middle East.
After launching its business in May 2024, FFG signed an agreement with Archer Aviation that could result in it acquiring up to 116 of the Midnight four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. FFG’s founder and CEO Karan Singh, has also expressed interest in operating short takeoff and landing aircraft such as Electra Aero’s EL9 UltraShort model in applications that could include air taxi flights as well as cargo and regional air services.
The partnership with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-05/romes-vertiport-tests-ai-powered-bird-monitoring-system">UrbanV</a> calls for FFG to provide aircraft for joint flight testing in Rome using its Italian partner’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-10-06/romes-new-vertiport-hosts-italys-first-crewed-evtol-aircraft-flight">UV-0 test vertiport</a> at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, which has previously been used by German eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter. This facility is Italy’s first advanced air mobility sandbox site approved by the country’s aviation regulator ENAC.
According to FFG, it expects to have aircraft available for the planned test operations during 2026, which is when Archer aims to start making deliveries to customers. Last November, Singh told AIN that FFG may acquire air operator certificate holders to advance its plans to launch commercial operations with various eVTOL and eCTOL aircraft. He has connections with Dubai-based operator Titan Aviation, which could contribute to the new company’s network.
“Europe represents one of the most promising markets for advanced air mobility and UrbanV is at the forefront of making that vision a reality,” Singh commented. “Their strong network and foundational work in Rome and across Italy provide the ideal launchpad for FFG’s diverse fleet of aircraft.”
UrbanV already has partnerships with other advanced air mobility service developers in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
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