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

Autonomous flight technology developer Merlin Labs has raised $200 million by closing its SPAC-backed business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV. The Boston-based start-up’s stock started trading on New York’s Nasdaq market on Tuesday.
The initial public offering transaction is backed by what Merlin said is a fully committed private investment in public equity agreement anchored by Inflection Point. Existing backers including Baillie Gifford—and several new institutional investors—are supporting the deal.
The company is working to deploy its Merlin Pilot AI-powered autonomous flight system on a variety of commercial and military aircraft. Its prospective partners include <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-10-23/merlin-usaf-team-autonomous-contingency-management">the U.S. Air Force</a>, which is considering options for <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-31/northrop-grumman-and-merlin-partner-autonomous-flight">next-generation uncrewed aircraft</a> and also for pilotless operations with existing platforms such as the KC-135 Stratotanker. Civil use cases could include <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-04-04/merlin-wins-part-145-approval-new-zealand">cargo flights</a> with aircraft such as the Cessna Grand Caravan.
Announcing the planned flotation <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2025-08-15/autonomous-flight-pioneer-merlin-seeks-capital-through-ipo">in August 2025</a>, Merlin indicated that it hoped to raise $385 million. At the time, CEO and founder Matt George warned that the U.S. risked falling behind in the race to bring autonomous aircraft to market, with Chinese companies apparently making faster progress.
According to George, Merlin is challenging what he called the “human centricity” of aviation design and engineering. “We believe those shifts create a massive economic and industrial opportunity,” he commented. “We are working with our customers and partners to identify all the ways that assured autonomy can solve real problems and meaningfully improve mission execution and outcomes. We hope our investors will appreciate and understand our methodical approach to innovating and building for the long term.”

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

Merlin SPAC-backed IPO Raises $200 Million for Autonomous Flight Goals

U.S. start-up aims to convert civil and military aircraft to uncrewed operations 

Merlin’s plans to bring its AI-backed Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system into service have been boosted by a Nasdaq IPO that raised $200 million.

Merlin IPO Raises $200 Million for Autonomous Flight Goals

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

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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.

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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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.

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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.

In this article

Merlin

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