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

Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Aviation, in partnership with helicopter manufacturer Leonardo,&nbsp;has unveiled a special-purpose terminal building that it intends to support urban air mobility services. The business aviation group wants to open the first facility in time for next year's Expo2020 event in Dubai, which is due to run for almost six months.
Falcon Aviation unveiled its plans during the 2019 Dubai Air Show, explaining that the facilities will include a helipad, showroom, and lounge areas. It also confirmed that it is evaluating Leonardo's AW609 tiltrotor as a possible addition to its fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The AW609 has been in development for close to two decades and is reported to be close to achieving type certification.
“The aircraft is under evaluation at the moment,” said George Prentzas, Falcon Aviation executive managing committee member, referring to the AW609.&nbsp;“We have confirmed that the terminal—the building that is going to accommodate all&nbsp;passenger requirements in one area—is going to [meet] the level of service that we want&nbsp;to offer to our passengers. We are evaluating several locations, but at the moment we know for a fact that it's going to be [in operation] at the Expo 2020. [In time, there could be] several of these around the country.”
“When you do your studies in general, and this is my personal opinion, tiltrotor is the future, but I cannot confirm right now the results of the evaluation the Falcon operation is doing,” he said. “There is a key moment where you have to decide where are you going commercially. There are so many missions that we need to explore and certain aspects that need to be evaluated.”
The AW609&nbsp;has&nbsp;a range of between 600 and 700 miles&nbsp;and would be ideal for point-to-point operations, said Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of&nbsp;Leonardo Helicopters. “It will be a step higher on mobility. You won't need to go to the airport and take a plane from Milan to Paris. It will change the way we do transportation."
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Charles Alcock

Falcon Aviation has designed a passenger terminal to support urban air mobility services in aircraft such as Leonardo's AW609 tiltorotor.

Falcon Aviation Unveils Plans for Urban Air Mobility Terminals in the UAE

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