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

Monte Aircraft Leasing is stepping up its plans to build an electric aviation portfolio by signing a letter of intent with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) for 40 Britten-Norman Islanders converted to hydrogen-electric power. UK-based <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-08-12/cranfield-aerospace-draws-fresh-funding-uae-and-california-based-investors">CAeS</a> is developing a conversion package for the nine-seat commuter aircraft, which are currently powered by piston or turboprop engines.
The agreement announced on November 3 covers modification kits for aircraft that would then be marketed on lease or financing terms to “sub-regional” operators. The announcement did not specify how the preowned Islanders will be sourced, but the CAeS says a network of approved partners will do&nbsp;the conversion work.
In October, UK-based Monte ordered&nbsp;25 of the Eco Caravan aircraft, which is being developed by <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-10-27/ampaire-collects-firm-order-25-eco-caravans-monte-aircraft-leasing">Ampaire.</a> The agreement includes options for another&nbsp;25 Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with the hybrid-electric conversion.
Earlier this year, Monte agreed to buy 100 of the ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrains that <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-08/zeroavia-and-monte-aircraft-leasing-retrofit-100-aircraft-za600-powerplants">ZeroAvia</a> is developing to convert aircraft including the Caravan, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, and the Dornier 228 regional airliners. ZeroAvia is aiming to get its conversion kits approved under supplemental type certificates by 2024. Monte has set an objective to become what it says will be the world’s first carbon-neutral aircraft leasing company by 2027.
The CAeS team now aims&nbsp;to have the converted Islanders approved to enter commercial service in 2026, which is up to a year later than previously announced. The company has longer-term plans to convert a 19-seat regional aircraft to hydrogen power and behind that work on 100-seat airliners. It already holds a commitment from German regional airline <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-07-13/cranfield-aerospace-secures-first-customer-modified-green-islander-aircraft">Evia Aero</a> to buy 10 of the conversion kits.
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Charles Alcock

Cranfield Aerospace plans to convert the Britten-Norman Islander commuter aircraft to hydrogen propulsion.

Aircraft Finance and Leasing Group Signs for Cranfield's Hydrogen-powered Islanders

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