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
Engines
EASA Seeks To Make ETOPS Rules Clearer, More Consistent
The European air safety agency is proposing to incorporate most aspects of ICAO requirements for extended diversion time operations into its regulations.
FutureFlight
Monte Plans to Add Eviation's All-electric Alice Aircraft to Its Leasing Portfolio
The UK company will offer regional airline operators finance or lease terms for the nine-passenger aircraft expected to gain type certification in 2027.
FutureFlight
FlightSafety Will Train Lilium Jet eVTOL Aircraft Pilots
The training specialist is also making a preliminary eSim device representing the vehicle's cockpit that engineers can use for development and certification work.
Charter & Fractional
Charter Booking Platform Gemini Wings Expands Services
The Czech-based company leases spare capacity from aircraft owners and operators, guaranteeing payment for days when jets are available.
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Assoc Expands Broker Qualification Training
The industry group held its first training session outside the UK, staging an event for 28 industry professionals from 10 different countries.
FutureFlight
FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
A weekly roundup of significant milestones and achievements from companies and organizations working to transform aviation with new types of aircraft, propulsion systems, flight controls, and business models.
Aircraft
Honda Adds Jet Sales Representatives in Southeast Asia
Forth Corporation in Bangkok and WingsOverAsia in Singapore will seek new HondaJet customers in 10 countries across the region.
FutureFlight
Honeywell Publishes Advanced Air Mobility Certification Guidance and Backs New Green Seaplane
This week, the aerospace group, which produces propulsion and avionics systems, agreed to help Swiss start-up Jekta to develop its planned electric amphibious aircraft.
Charter & Fractional
Wheels Up Founder Kenny Dichter Steps Down as CEO
Dichter will retain a seat on the board, with CFO Todd Smith taking over as CEO and current board member Ravi Thakran appointed as executive chairman.
Environment
Vertical Vx4 eVTOL Certification Pushed To Late 2026
Citing regulatory requirements, Vertical Aerospace pushed certification of its VX-4 eVTOL by 12 months to late 2026.
FutureFlight On The Radar
EASA Consults on Proposals to Regulate Noise From eVTOL Aircraft
The European aviation safety agency is giving stakeholders until June 15 to respond to its Environmental Protection Technical Specifications.
Charter & Fractional
JetMembership Tempts Rivals' Clients With Cost Savings
The flight booking platform is targeting customers with private aviation programs including WheelsUp, NetJets, XO, VistaJet, Flexjet, and Sentient Jet.
Aircraft
Receivership Commissioners Seek More Bids for Piaggio
Several attempts have been made to find a new owner for the maker of the Avanti Evo aircraft, since the company entered bankruptcy protection in 2019.
Maintenance and Modifications
Marshall Trains New Talent for UK Aircraft Support Roles
Marshall Skills Academy is about to start training 70 apprentices for its own MRO business, as well as for Bombardier's UK service center at Biggin Hill.
FutureFlight
Vertical Pushes Back Type Certification Target Date for VX4 eVTOL Aircraft to Late 2026
A letter to shareholders says technical issues relating to the certification process are the main reason for the delay, but the company's first-quarter balance sheet shows depleted cash reserves.
FutureFlight
Cormorant Evaluates Wood as the Basis for a More Environmentally Sustainable Seaplane
Sitka spruce trees growing in coastal areas of western Canada could be used to make substantial parts of the wings and airframe for a new amphibious aircraft.
FutureFlight
Car Designers Are Defining the Look and Feel of eVTOL Aircraft
Supernal has received international recognition for the design of the cabin for its SA-1 eVTOL vehicle.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Pilots To Picket Berkshire Hathaway Meeting
NetJets pilot union organized a picket of the annual shareholders meeting of NetJets's parent company Berkshire Hathaway to protest pay and conditions.
FutureFlight
FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
A summary of significant milestones and achievements from companies and organizations working to transform aviation with new types of aircraft, propulsion systems, flight controls, and business models.
FutureFlight
Lilium Seeks $250 Million To Sustain Work on eVTOL Aircraft as Share Price Hovers below Minimum
The German company says it already has a commitment for $100 million from an existing investor that is also willing to provide a further $75 million in matching funds.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Operators Need To Be Up to Speed on European Inspection Rules
The NBAA recently participated in a forum on ramp inspections that addressed the latest changes to Europe's Safety Assessments of Foreign Aircraft process.
Engines
PC-12 Fleet Passes 10 Million Flight Hour Waypoint
Pilatus is boosting production of the single-engine turboprop as it targets its 2,000th delivery with the PC-12 NGX model.
FutureFlight
Advanced Air Mobility Evangelists Get Reality Check at Revolution.Aero Conference
Industry experts explained how multiple factors—including tightening capital markets and regulatory complexity—point to a more gradual fulfillment of the potential for new electric aircraft.
FutureFlight
Alaska Airlines Donates Dash 8 Aircraft for ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Propulsion Project
The former Horizon Air regional airliner will be fitted with ZeroAvia's ZA2000 powertrain, which combines fuel cells with electric motors to run on liquid hydrogen.
Aircraft
Mexico's Redwings Plans eVTOL Air-taxi Services
Mexican business aviation group Redwings has signed a letter of intent with Jaunt Air Mobility to buy up to 20 of its Journey eVTOL aircraft.
Safety
TAG To Run Ground Schools for Dassault Falcon Pilots
After completing flight simulator training with CAE in the UK, pilots will go to TAG Global Training's Farnborough Airport facility for more instruction.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Deliveries, Demand Remain Stable
Textron Aviation acknowledged some continuing impact from supply-chain issues and that revenues will improve at helicopter division Bell.
Airlines
Worsening War Risks Could Push Insurance Premiums Higher
The conflict in Sudan is adding to the pressure and uncertainty for airlines and their insurers resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
FutureFlight
Solvay and GKN Step Up Work on Thermoplastic Materials and Manufacturing Processes
The partners want to be able to support high-volume manufacturing of electric aircraft.
FutureFlight
Czech Start-up Zuri Seeks Funding For Hybrid-Electric Regional VTOL Aircraft
The company displayed models of its five-seat design at this week's Sustainable Skies and Aero Friedrichshafen events.
