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

Southeast Asian private aviation management and charter group PhilJets plans to add 10 of Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. At the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, the Philippines-based company signed a memorandum of understanding with the German manufacturer covering the provisional sales agreement and a partnership that will focus on defining routes and the market for an on-demand air taxi service.
The companies said they will identify potential locations for operating bases, as well as find partners to secure infrastructure and develop vertiports. They will also coordinate access to Lilium’s existing network of charging hardware providers for its aircraft, which has 30 ducted electric engines installed in the wing and canard.
According to Lilium, the Philippines, with its 7,500-plus islands, is well suited to eVTOL aircraft to provide new regional connections. The manufacturer, which is working to bring the Lilium Jet into commercial service in 2026, also sees the potential to establish eVTOL routes in Cambodia.
The <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">Lilium Jet </a>is expected to operate mainly on flights of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) at speeds of up to 250 km/h. In addition to the standard model, Lilium is offering the more spacious Pioneer Edition with four seats in a cabin that can be partially customized to each client’s taste.
PhilJets, which currently operates 15 jets and helicopters, said that it plans further expansion over the next three years that could include neighboring countries. It operates a mix of private and charter flights and has a maintenance division that supports more than 100 rotorcraft.
Other plans to introduce eVTOL services to the Philippines and Cambodia are also being advanced under a new agreement between rival manufacturer Eve Air Mobility and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-02-19/singapore-private-aviation-group-yugo-teams-eve-air-mobility">Singapore-based private aviation group Yugo</a>. PhilJets is also involved with Yugo in this project.
“With its growing economy, geography, and important tourism industry, the Philippines is a great match to the Lilium Jet’s capabilities,” said PhilJets chairman Thierry Tea. “Innovation in aviation is gaining traction among regulators, urban planners, and industry leaders of worldwide economies.”

Read the latest news about German eVTOL developer Lilium.

Charles Alcock

The Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft is set to be used for air taxi services in the Philippines. (Image: Lilium)

Philippines Charter Flight Group Commits To Operating Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

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