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

There will be more than 430,000 urban air taxis in operation by 2040, according to a new Frost &amp; Sullivan study. The international consulting firm predicts that operations will begin as early as 2022, initially in the UAE, New Zealand, and Singapore, followed by Brazil and Mexico.
This would mean new aircraft being delivered at an exceptional annual rate of almost 24,000 units. None of the new-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have completed type certification to date.
"Globally, almost 50 cities are considering the feasibility of UAM, and most of the applications are focused on&nbsp;cargo drones, which will eventually open up the market for passenger UAM vehicles," said Frost &amp; Sullivan senior mobility analyst Joe Praveen Vijayakumar.&nbsp;
"Safety, noise levels from propulsion, infrastructure for landing and takeoff in urban areas, and favorable regulations will be key focus areas for the commercialization of air taxis," noted&nbsp;Vijayakumar.&nbsp;"Original equipment manufacturers&nbsp;will be looking to especially invest in&nbsp;hybrid fuel systems,&nbsp;lightweight high-strength composite materials, and alternative energy sources such as&nbsp;solar&nbsp;and&nbsp;lightweight high-capacity batteries&nbsp;to achieve fuel efficiency and longer range."
The study notes the potential for companies to profit by incorporating multiple fail-safe mechanisms in their vehicles to instill confidence in potential passengers; collaborating with companies developing innovative next-generation&nbsp;rotors&nbsp;and&nbsp;propellers&nbsp;that can muzzle sound; establishing the support infrastructure, including landing and takeoff stations,&nbsp;passenger waiting lounges, and&nbsp;landing pads in residential buildings; and developing internal cybersecurity capabilities or acquiring cybersecurity startups to safeguard their vehicles.

Charles Alcock

Frost & Sullivan predicts that urban air taxis will be commonplace by 2040. (Rendering: NASA)

Study Predicts Almost Half a Million Urban Air Taxis in Service by 2040

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN