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

Latest news about Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer EHang

This week, the government of Hefei city in China agreed to invest in EHang’s plans to produce its planned new VT35 eVTOL aircraft. Announcing their partnership on August 26, city officials and the company said they will establish a base for the VT35 program to support research and development, testing, certification, manufacturing, sales, and operations for EHang’s next autonomous eVTOL model.
The VT35 will be larger and have a longer range than the two-seat EH216-S, which started commercial passenger flights under EHang’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-03-31/ehang-earns-worlds-first-evtol-air-operator-certificate">air operator certificate</a> in March. Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China accepted EHang’s application for a type certificate, but it has said little publicly about the projected specifications for the new model, which is based on the earlier <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2022-01-04/ehang-secures-launch-order-longer-range-vt-30">VT30 prototype</a>.
According to EHang, the VT35 will feature improved flight controls and propulsion systems. The Guangzhou-based company said the aircraft will be suitable for medium- to long-range eVTOL air services, including flights between cities, to offshore locations, and over mountainous terrain.
<h2>$210 Million in Support Pledged</h2>
The city of Hefei, which is the capital of Anhui province, has agreed to invest almost ¥1 billion ($140 million) in the VT35 program. Local government officials have further pledged about $70 million to cover possible orders for the aircraft and further support for the company.
“Since we partnered with Hefei in 2023, we have reached many important milestones,” commented Huazhi Hu, EHang’s founder, chairman, and CEO. “These include launching EH216-S commercial flights, achieving a breakthrough in solid-state lithium eVTOL battery technology, and establishing the VT35 series product hub. Each step brings our shared vision closer to reality. Hefei’s strong supply chain and forward-thinking policies help us turn the city into a real-world innovation ground.”
Earlier this week, EHang also reported financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showing a 44.2% increase in revenues to ¥147.2 million ($20.5 million) compared with the same period in 2024, while still sustaining a $10.9 million operating loss. In the three months through June 30, EHang said it delivered 68 of the EH216-S aircraft to 13 customers in China and Japan.

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

Chinese City Hefei Backs EHang’s Plans for VT30 eVTOL Aircraft

City officials have pledged up to around $210 million in investments and orders

EHang plans to base its new VT30 eVTOL aircraft program in Hefei after local officials agreed to investment in development, manufacturing, and operations.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

Jetrep, High Flying Hangars, and First American Equipment Finance join IADA ranks

IADA Welcomes Law, Finance, and Hangar Specialists

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Event will address major changes occurring this year

Tariffs, 100% Depreciation on Tap for NBAA Tax Conference

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

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Baines Simmons, Kenyon Emergency Services, and Redline Assured Security have been sold

Wheels Up Sells Three Safety Businesses to TrustFlight

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

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Merlin is combining its business with a special-purpose acquisition company called Bleichroeder

Autonomous Flight Pioneer Merlin Seeks Capital through IPO

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.

In this article

EHang

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance

IADA Welcomes Law, Finance, and Hangar Specialists

Jetrep, High Flying Hangars, and First American Equipment Finance join IADA ranks

Tariffs, 100% Depreciation on Tap for NBAA Tax Conference

Event will address major changes occurring this year

Wheels Up Sells Three Safety Businesses to TrustFlight

Baines Simmons, Kenyon Emergency Services, and Redline Assured Security have been sold

Autonomous Flight Pioneer Merlin Seeks Capital through IPO

Merlin is combining its business with a special-purpose acquisition company called Bleichroeder

Eve Raising $230 Million To Support eVTOL Aircraft Development

Embraer spin-off is now publicly listed in both Brazil and the U.S.

Despite Dip in Q2 Activity, Preowned Sales Still Strong

Year-to-date activity is up 14% of 1H 2024

AircraftExchange, EJOA Partner on Jet Listings

Jet listings integrated into EJOA member tools

Tariffs Force Pilatus Aircraft To Pause U.S. Deliveries

Services provided to customers will continue

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN