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

Vet Airways, a new Cambodian start-up, plans to connect Southeast Asian coastal communities using Elfly’s electric Noemi aircraft. On July 9, the spinoff from transportation group Vireak Buntham Express signed a memorandum of understanding with the Norwegian manufacturer covering the purchase of five aircraft in a deal potentially valued at $50 million.
In June, Elfly achieved a first flight with a 1:5 scale model of the Noemi on the Tønsberg fjord in Norway to evaluate its handling characteristics on water. The company’s engineering team has also used the KTH Stockholm wind tunnel in Sweden to assess the airframe’s drag characteristics.
According to Elfly, conceptual design for the airframe is now complete and detailed design work is underway. Also last month, the company signed a pre-application contract agreement with European regulator EASA to start the process for securing a permit to fly for its planned conceptual prototype.
Elfly says it now holds agreements covering prospective orders for 52 of the nine-passenger aircraft. Other operators are based in Denmark, Greece, Panama, Indonesia, and the UK.
<h2>Seaplanes Replace Buses</h2>
Vet Airways is part of Cambodian transportation group Vireak Buntham Express, which operates buses and other services in the country, as well as in Thailand, Vietnam, and soon Laos. The company, which employs around 5,000 people, expects to operate the Noemi in ocean-facing communities, as well as those on lakes and rivers.
“There’s a huge market for seaplanes in Asia,” said Neak Oknha Suo Vireak, the parent company’s CEO. “The amphibious Noemi can fly straight from airports to the coast and compete with road transport, which is important as we are looking into using it in our logistics network too.”
Elfly aims to start flying its full-scale prototype in 2027 and achieve type certification and service entry in 2030. It recently hosted a “hangar day” event for more than 80 guests from Europe and the U.S.
“This is the go-anywhere amphibious aircraft that opens new routes, replaces outdated fleets, and brings zero-emission flight where it’s never been before,” said Elfly CEO Eric Lithun. “Noemi isn’t just a seaplane. It’s a platform ready for the next 100 years of flight, starting as a battery-electric seaplane, but also prepared for hybrid, turboprop engines, sustainable fuels, and even hydrogen. We’ve built a fuselage and wing that outperform the venerable DHC-6 Twin Otter by a wide margin, and we’re just getting started.”

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

Cambodia’s Vet Airways To Connect Coastal Towns with Elfly’s Electric Noemi

Start-up has committed to buy five of the nine-passenger electric amphibious aircraft

Vet Airways, an offshoot of Cambodian bus operator Vireak Buntham Express, wants to connect towns on oceans, lakes, and rivers with Elfly’s electric seaplane.

Cambodian Airline Will Connect Coastal Towns with Elfly’s Noemi

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.

$17 million pledged for disaster relief

Airlink Aviation Partners Rally for Humanitarian Aid

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 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.

Vietnamese carrier also recently ordered more A330neos

Vietjet Boosts Narrowbody Fleet with A321neo Order

Company’s CX300 airplane will open the Paris Air Show flying display

Republic Set To Evaluate Beta's Alia Electric Aircraft

Kerry Lynch

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

System provides aural and text alerts of potential safety hazards

Southwest Adding Honeywell SmartRunway/Landing on 737 Fleet

Charlotte Bailey

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

Airbus, Boeing and Embraer all published new market forecast on the eve of the Paris Air Show

Airframers Aligned on Airliner Market Growth

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

Evia Aero plans to operate scheduled services in several parts of Europe 

German Airline Plans To Operate Hydrogen-electric Beech 1900s

Hanneke Weitering

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

South Florida operator expects first deliveries in 2027

UrbanLink Orders 20 More Viceroy Electric Seagliders from Regent Craft

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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