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

ArcosJet has agreed to purchase 10 of Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft, which it will offer to private buyers in the Middle East. Last week, the Dubai-based aircraft broker became the German manufacturer's first authorized dealer&nbsp;in the region for the all-electric Lilium Jet.
At the Dubai Airshow, Lilium and ArcosJet are exhibiting a mockup of the four-passenger Pioneer Edition of the eVTOL vehicle, which features 30 ducted-fan engines in its wing and canard. Lilium expects the aircraft, which it will also offer in a six-passenger configuration, to enter service in 2026, offering a range of up to 175 km at speeds of 250 km/h.
The partners signed the purchase agreement for 10 Lilium Jets in Dubai on Monday, and the deal remains subject to an undisclosed “commitment fee.” ArcosJet is now Lilium’s fifth international dealership, joining a network that already includes <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-18/business-aviation-group-emc-jet-market-liliums-pioneer-edition-evtol">EMC Jet in Texas,</a> Volare Aviation in the UK, Air Dynamic in Switzerland, and ASL Group in the Benelux countries. ArcosJet plans to take deliveries in 2026 and 2027.
ArcosJet founder and CEO Mikhail Alenkin expressed confidence that the aircraft will quickly find buyers and "lay the foundations for the development of sustainable air transport in the Middle East.” The Dubai-based company has traded since 2014, and its main focus involves business aircraft transactions in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
<h3 class="subheading">Tire and Battery Suppliers Named</h3>
On November 10, Lilium announced the extension of its partnership with InoBat, which will produce large volumes of battery cells for the Lilium Jet at factories in Slovakia. The company, which is partly owned by China’s Gotion High-Tech, is now building a second plant called Volta II that will serve as its first "gigafactory," generating up to four gigawatt hours of production capacity. Munich-based Lilium has invested in InoBat.
“Consistent with best practice and our stated strategy, we expect that multiple cell suppliers will support our aircraft program, with the aim to ensure a reliable volume production of battery cells for years to come,” said Lilium chief operating officer Yves Yemsi.
Last week, Michelin signed an agreement to design and produce tires for the Lilium Jet. The French company has supplied aircraft manufacturers for more than 100 years and expects to deliver the first tires to its new customer later this month. Lilium has begun assembling the first full-scale prototype and expects to start flight tests in 2024.
“The Michelin tire designed for the Lilium Jet is truly one of a kind and a major advancement in this critical aviation component,” said Sophie Bréchoire, president of Michelin’s aeronautic activities. “It marries the challenge of lightweight construction for eVTOL aircraft with the renowned quality and reliability of Michelin aircraft tires.”

Charles Alcock

Mikhail Alenkin, founder and CEO of ArcosJet (left), agrees to a deal to acquire 10 of the Pioneer Edition Lilium Jets with Paul-Franck Bijou, Lilium's vice president of business development.

Middle East Aircraft Dealer Orders 10 Lilium Jets At Dubai Airshow

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