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

Republic Airways has agreed to buy at least one example of Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric airplane and will use it to train its pilots and conduct route planning. Under a memorandum of understanding announced on Monday at the Paris Air Show, the carrier is set to take delivery of the first aircraft—under special airworthiness certificate rules—in the fourth quarter, with options to add more examples as its plans for commercial services are firmed up.
The CX300 operates in conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) mode, with Beta also working on the Alia 250, an eVTOL version. The company, which has already opened its manufacturing facility in Burlington, Vermont, is taking this approach with a view to getting the CX300 certified in 2026.
“The CTOL aircraft will get well established [in the market] by operating commercial flights sooner [than rival eVTOL models],” Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark told reporters. “I’m confident we’ll get there first. The VTOL aircraft is just the same [as the CX300]; you’re just adopting a really good flap setting.”
Beta is now earning testing credits for FAA certification by conducting extensive, real-world flights under a market survey provision permitted by the special airworthiness certificate&nbsp;rules. The Alia model that will open the flying display each day at the Paris Air Show this week is conducting a European tour that started at Shannon on the west coast of Ireland and will end in July when the aircraft is delivered to launch customer Bristow in Norway. The helicopter operator will conduct six months of flight trials.
According to Clark, the CX300 is expected to operate cargo services before progressing to passenger operations that could include routes that are not commercially viable with current aircraft. Initial versions will carry four passengers, but Beta believes subsequent models could be larger with between six and eight seats.
During a recent 45-minute flight from East Hampton to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, an Alia aircraft consumed $7 worth of electrical power versus several hundred dollars worth of fuel in a helicopter, according to Beta. Republic president and chief commercial officer Matt Koscal was a passenger on that flight.
Later this year, Beta plans to deliver another example of the Alia to Air New Zealand. The company also offers customers its “Charge Cube” equipment, which can recharge the aircraft in under an hour.

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

Republic Airways Set To Evaluate Beta's Alia Electric Aircraft

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Republic Airways will take delivery of a Beta Technologies Alia CX300 electric aircraft later this year to evaluate possible commercial routes.

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2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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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.

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

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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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.

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