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

Eve Air Mobility this week announced plans to launch eVTOL air services in the UAE and India through a pair of new partnerships launched at the Dubai Airshow. The aircraft manufacturer also confirmed it is working with the UK's NATS to offer urban air traffic management services to support any eVTOL operations worldwide.
Through its new alliance with Hunch Mobility—a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility—Eve is working&nbsp;to bring electric commuter flights to India, starting in the tech-industry hub Bangalore.&nbsp;The companies are working with local, state, and federal officials, and IT technology and service providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce urban air mobility services.
Bangalore, located in Karnataka state, has an estimated population of more than 13 million people. Eve expects the electric aircraft to significantly reduce the carbon footprint, noise, and cost of flying, making them more accessible to India’s mass audience. Other eVTOL manufacturers, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-11-13/archer-stakes-claim-evtol-markets-uae-and-india">Archer</a>, have also announced plans to enter the Indian market.
“This collaboration with Eve Air Mobility underscores the commitment to contribute to India’s growth story by addressing the bottleneck of road congestion in the country. We look forward to introducing eVTOL flights that will democratize short-haul air mobility by offering affordable ticket fares and zero carbon emission,” said Amit Dutta, director of Hunch Mobility.
The company’s four-passenger eVTOL, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-07/eve-appoints-suppliers-evtol-aircrafts-flight-deck-actuators-and-thermal">now under development</a>, would fly to a range of 100 kilometers (60 miles) and&nbsp;is expected to enter service in 2026. The aircraft features a lift-plus-cruise configuration with dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruise flight. Initially, the aircraft will be piloted but longer-term plans call for autonomous operations.
Hunch Mobility has previously signed purchase agreements for 200 of the Eve vehicles. The partnership includes plans for a&nbsp;three-month-long pilot project that will include&nbsp;intra-city helicopter flights in Bangalore.&nbsp;
“This launch city announcement is the next step in a great relationship that Hunch Mobility and Eve have built to co-create the urban air mobility ecosystem in India,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility.&nbsp;“India is an incredibly important market for urban air mobility and our goal is to work with Hunch Mobility to provide residents with an additional efficient and affordable mode of transportation to ease commuting times in one of the most heavily populated cities in the world.”
<h3 class="subheading">Preparing Dubai For Urban Air Mobility</h3>
Meanwhile, under a letter of intent signed with&nbsp;vertiport developer KookieJar, Eve will&nbsp;support vertiport operations in Dubai with its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system. KookieJar becomes Eve’s tenth Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer and the agreement further marks the introduction of the technology in Dubai. Working with local partner Air Chateau, Sweden-based KookieJar is supporting&nbsp;the development of a vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a final approach and takeoff facility at Al Maktoum Airport.
Eve Air Mobility received a letter of intent from vertiport developer KookieJar to support vertiport operations in Dubai with its Urban ATM (air traffic management) system. Sweden-based KookieJar becomes Eve’s tenth Urban ATM customer and fifth vertiport customer. The agreement further marks the entry of Eve’s Urban ATM system into Dubai.
Working with local partner Air Chateau, KookieJar supports the development of a vertiport hub facility with eight parking pads and a final approach and takeoff facility at Al Maktoum Airport. Plans call for a phased implementation program under which networks of vertiports would connect via Eve’s Urban ATM system as urban air mobility operations move toward commercialization in upcoming years.
“Urban air mobility relies on infrastructure within the lower airspace as well as accessible takeoff and landing spots—vertiports,” said Rob Weaver, Urban ATM global business development lead at Eve Air Mobility. “Eve’s Urban ATM solution provides an integrated suite of software that will enable an efficient and predictable eVTOL ecosystem.”
Eve works with Atech, Embraer’s air traffic control technology and system company, to support the development of the Urban ATM software.
KookieJar is collaborating&nbsp;with stakeholders in Dubai to map out eVTOL routes within existing VFR corridors that helicopters use today with the goal of introducing operations seamlessly. The initiative involves collaboration with regulators, customers, air navigation service providers, fleet operators, airports, vertiport developers, and other stakeholders.
Other eVTOL aircraft developers including <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-17/abu-dhabi-launches-evtol-air-taxi-plan-through-alliance-archer-aviationhttps://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-08/archer-plans-bring-evtol-air-taxi-services-india">Archer </a>and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-13/middle-east-aircraft-dealer-orders-10-lilium-jets-dubai-airshow">Lilium</a> are also seeking to get a foothold in Gulf region states.

Charles Alcock

Eve Air Mobility's four-passenger eVTOL aircraft could be deployed by Blade-backed prospective customer Hunch Mobility in Indian cities like Bangalore. (Image: Eve)

Eve Launches Urban Air Mobility Partnerships in Dubai and India

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