Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
Charles Alcock is a senior editor with AIN, 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 Manchester University in the northwest of England and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.
Latest from Charles Alcock
Security
Dutch Environmental Protestors Target Private Aviation
Extinction Rebellion tried to protest at Maastricht-Aachen Airport
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Leonardo Chases Growth in Five-year Business Plan
The Italian group will invest in digital technology, while also consolidating and seeking cost savings
Charter & Fractional
Falcon and Archer Launch Abu Dhabi-Dubai eVTOL Flights
Services will operate from Falcon Aviation's heliports in the UAE
FutureFlight
Cranfield Aerospace Integrates Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain into Aircraft Nacelle
The company's partner, aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman, is seeking new investors to ensure its survival.
Regulations and Government
Aircraft Operators, FBOs Face New UK Border Controls
More passenger data and prior approval will be required for non-UK citizens
Charter & Fractional
WingX Sees Stagnant Bizav Flight Activity Year-to-date
Global flights were down around 3 percent year-on-year in the first two months of this year
FutureFlight
CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL Prototype Unveiled at German Development Base
The all-electric aircraft, which features eight sets of electric motors and rotors, is expected to operate on routes of up to around 50 miles.
Airports
UK Considers New Night Noise Limits for London Airports
The changes, running through October 2028, would mainly impact Stansted Airport
Regulations and Government
Ex-EBAA Leader Fernand François Passes Away
Career in aviation spanned five decades, including journalism and industry advocacy
FutureFlight
Transcend Will Use HyperDrive Magnetic Levitation Technology for Vy 421 Tilt-wing VTOL Aircraft
The company has partnered with another Boston-based start-up, Maglev Aero, to replace electric motors.
Environment
Hybrid Pragmatism Could Be Vanguard for Aviation's Electric Dreams
Multiple hybrid-electric fixed-wing aircraft are in development
FutureFlight
Volocopter Gets Clearance to Start Early Serial Production of VoloCity eVTOL Aircraft
Germany's LBA civil aviation authority has extended the company's production organization approval.
Environment
Embraer-X and Sustainable Aero Lab Push Decarbonization
Embraer-X is the Brazilian airframer's technology incubator and 'market accelerator' unit
Charter & Fractional
Blog: Could Monopolies Be the Norm for eVTOL Air Taxi Services?
Dubai's decision to give exclusive access to Joby has ruffled feathers
Aircraft
Lyte Launches Private Version of Hydrogen-electric VTOL Aircraft
The 19-seat LA-44 X Prime is a derivative of the 40-seat LA-44 SkyBus aircraft
Rotorcraft
Engine Backup System Could Buy Time for Pilots
Technology would provide emergency power after single-engine failures
Maintenance and Modifications
Airbus Says Service and Support Investment Bearing Fruit
The company has increased the value of spare parts it holds to around $430 million
Aircraft
Airbus Sees eVTOL Race to Market as a Marathon
The company's urban air mobility unit sees no immediate case for on-demand air taxi services
Airports
Sugar Land Set To be Launch Pad for Wisk's eVTOL Air Taxi Services
A vertiport at the city's airport could be part of a network across the Greater Houston area
FutureFlight
Leasing Group LCI Teams With Airbus to Pursue Advanced Air Mobility Opportunities
The agreement was signed at the Heli-Expo show, where Bristow Group and The Helicopter and Jet Company launched a similar collaboration focused on Saudi Arabia.
FutureFlight
Lyte Aviation Expands LA-44 Hydrogen-Electric VTOL Aircraft Family to Offer Business Aviation Model
Like the 44-seat SkyBus and freight-carrying SkyTruck versions of the aircraft, the LA-44 X Prime will be priced at around $44 million and enter service around the end of the decade.
Rotorcraft
THC Orders Support Growing Saudi Mobility Needs
The massive order will support Saudi Arabia's vision for the future
Training and Workforce
Thales To Provide Simulators for German Army H145Ms
The contract follows an order for up to 82 twins from Airbus Helicopters
FutureFlight
Universal Hydrogen Runs First Ground Test with Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Module
The proprietary module allows fuel to be directly loaded onto aircraft without needing hydrogen fuel infrastructure at airports.
FutureFlight
Archer Presses Ahead with Midnight eVTOL Flight Testing and Production Plans
With automotive group Stellantis, the company is building a series production line for the aircraft in Georgia.
FutureFlight
Assembly of Lilium Jet Propulsion Systems Begins after Nasdaq Issues Share Price Warning
Lilium is working toward a goal of flying certification-conforming examples of its six-passenger eVTOL aircraft by the end of 2024.
FutureFlight
AutoFlight's Prosperity eVTOL Aircraft Conducts Autonomous Flight Demo between Shenzen and Zhuhai
The Chinese manufacturer is aiming to demonstrate viable air taxi routes in the densely populated Greater Bay Area of southern China.
FutureFlight
Nidec Is Developing Electric Motors for Air One Personal eVTOL Aircraft
The Japanese company and Israeli start-up Air say they will jointly develop a propulsion system that could be used for midsized vehicles.
FutureFlight
LCI May Bundle eVTOL Aircraft and Infrastructure in Advanced Air Mobility Leases
The leasing group has already made commitments to add 165 eVTOL aircraft to its portfolio through agreements with Beta Technologies and Elroy Air.
Engines
Safran Boosts Deliveries as Work on New Engines Advances
The company wants to boost output from 600 to 1,000 engines by 2025
