Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
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.
Latest from Charles Alcock
Aircraft
Electric-powered Grand Caravan Makes 30-minute First Flight
Magnix is partnering with AeroTec to re-engine the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan single turboprop with an electric propulsion system.
Charter & Fractional
Air Charter Group Protests Against UK Quarantine Rules
The Air Charter Association says the UK's quarantine rules will make it impossible for customers to make short visits to the country, harming business.
Aircraft
EHang's 216 eVTOL Cleared for Supply Flights in China
EHang is using its 216 autonomous eVTOL aircraft to carry freight for a hotel operator in southern China with approval from the CAAC.
Aircraft
Lilium Hopes To Resume eVTOL Flight Testing in Coming Months
The German company says it is still on track to start operating its five-seat all-electric aircraft in air taxi operations from 2025.
Aircraft
EASA Proposes eVTOL Certification Means of Compliance
EASA's Special Condition VTOL certification requirements include an Enhanced category for commercial operations in urban environments.
Airlines
UK Imposes Quarantine on Most Arrivals from June 8
Airline group says UK's mandatory 14-day quarantine rule will suppress almost all travel in and out of the country, effectively grounding UK airlines.
Aircraft
Archer Launches eVTOL into Crowded Marketplace
The backing for the startup from a leading technology entrepreneur has provided a boost for the eVTOL sector at a time of concern over investment rates.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Civil Aviation Decline Forces Rolls-Royce To Cut 9,000 Jobs
The aircraft engine maker aims to achieve annual savings of around $1.6 billion, with most of the impact being on its UK-based civil aerospace business.
Airlines
Travel Restrictions Raise Fear of More Painful Airline Recovery
U.S. travel ban presents a particularly high barrier to international travel.
Charter & Fractional
Pipistrel Slows Uber eVTOL Work to Advance Other New Aircraft
Uber Air partner Pipistrel says it is moving forward with plans for two new electric cargo aircraft and a hydrogen-powered 19-seat regional airliner.
FutureFlight
Quantum Teams with OSM to Train Pilots for Planned Electric Air Taxi Services
OSM Aviation will train ab initio pilots to fly Bye eFlyer electric aircraft for Quantum Air's air taxi network.
FutureFlight
EHang Set to Launch Commercial Sightseeing Flights for Chinese Hotel Guests in its Autonomous Aircraft
It remains unclear on what basis the Chinese manufacturer might be approved to carry passengers in its as-yet-uncertified AAV aircraft.
Aircraft
Cora eVTOL Set to Resume Flight Testing in New Zealand
Wisk is close to finalising the design of its Cora eVTOL aircraft as New Zealand and U.S. regulators monitor flight test progress.
Aircraft
VoltAero Unveils Production Version of Hybrid-Electric Cassio
The reworked design for the hybrid-electric Cassio pusherprop will offer range of up to 920 nm, seating between four and six passengers.
Aircraft
Leonardo Sees 2020 Hit from Decline in Civil Aviation Markets
Italy's Leonardo saw first quarter earnings decline, mainly on the civil side of its business, including helicopters, ATR airliners, and aerostructures.
Aircraft
IAG Cuts Deliveries As Full Recovery Not Anticipated Before 2023
IAG incurred a loss of around $577 million in the first quarter of 2020, and sees even tougher trading conditions in the second and third quarters.
Charter & Fractional
New Data Shows Tentative Signs of Bizav Traffic Recovery
The last few days of April provided evidence that business aviation flight activity may have passed the worst of the Covid-19-driven downturn.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
eVTOL Aircraft Programs Could Face Investment Squeeze
AirFinance founder Kirsten Bartok Touw predicts rapid consolidation in the urban air mobility sector as only companies with cash in hand may now succeed.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Grows Revenues, Profits in 1Q20
Improved earnings on the military side of the helicopter business have balanced disappointing news from the struggling oil and gas sector.
Aircraft
Airbus Sees More Pain in Commercial Market Through 3Q2020
Airliner deliveries could fall further during the second and third quarters of 2020, resulting in greater financial pressure on the aerospace supply chain.
Airlines
British Airways To Cut 12,000 Jobs as Covid-19 Hits Results
Some 12,000 will be laid off at British Airways, which accounted for the majority of parent group IAG's declining revenues during the first quarter.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Cuts Staff, Planned Aircraft Deliveries for 2020
The workforces of NetJets Europe and Executive Jet Management have been cut by 25 percent in response to a significant dip in demand for flights.
Aircraft
UV-C Light System Eliminates Covid-19 from Aircraft Cabins
Israel Aerospace Industries said its robot UV-C light unit could move inside aircraft cabins, eliminating viruses and germs from exposed surfaces.
Airports
Biggin Hill Airport Presses Ahead with Long-term Growth Plans
Biggin Hill Airport's new CEO wants to develop a complete business aviation ecosystem that will drive long-term growth for business aviation in London.
Charter & Fractional
Stardustjets Teams with Heron to Launch Indian Charter Services
Stardustjets and Germany's Heron will jointly apply for an Indian air operator's certificate and the Mumbai-based startup intends to buy a midsized jet.
Airports
Carbon Neutral Farnborough Doesn't Rest on Its Green Laurels
The UK's Farnborough Airport spent nine years making the changes that resulted in it becoming the world's first carbon neutral business aviation airport.
Charter & Fractional
First Half of April Sees Further Steep Falls in Bizjet Flights
The U.S. and Europe saw the steepest traffic decline in the first half of April and this is reflected in falling charter flight hour rates.
Charter & Fractional
Travel Restrictions Require Extra Diligence by Trip Planners
Passengers on a charter flight from the UK to France were denied entry at Marseille Airport, highlighting the complexity of current travel restrictions.
Aircraft
Wing Drone Deliveries Support Social Distancing
Wing's 10-pound drone delivers three-pound packages containing items such as medications on round trips of up to 12 miles at speeds of up to 70 mph.
Charter & Fractional
Bizav Traffic Stays Down as Charter Demand Stabilizes
Data analysts report business aviation traffic to be between 65 and 77 percent down on 2019, but fluctuations in future charter demand may be stabilizing.
