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

Charles Alcock

Prospects for Zunum Aero achieving a planned first flight for its ZA10 hybrid-electric airliner by the end of 2019 now appear very remote. The U.S. startup has spent the past 10 months trying to find new investors after early backers <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-04-05/boeing-jetblue-invest-zunum-electric-aircraft-venture">Boeing and JetBlue</a> withdrew support last year.

 


This week, Zunum Aero told AIN that it had no update on the status of the program and efforts to attract fresh investment. Given <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2019-01-03/zunum-runs-financing-trouble">the uncertainty</a>, it appears unlikely the company will manage to stick to its goal of starting deliveries of the new aircraft in 2022.

 


In September 2018, Logan Jones, vice president of Boeing’s HorizonX “innovation cell,” quietly stepped down as the airframer’s representative on the Zunum Aero board—apparently signaling the end of Boeing’s backing for the company. On Wednesday, JetBlue Technology Ventures acknowledged that the U.S. airline group no longer has a representative on the Zunum board. “JetBlue Technology Ventures was an early-stage investor in Zunum, and as is the case with all our investments, we partner with startups to gain strategic insights into emerging technologies, like electric propulsion,” a spokesperson told AIN.

 


Safran Helicopter Engines, which <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-10-04/safran-turboshaft-power-zunums-hybrid-electric-airliner">Zunum Aero selected in October 2018 </a>to provide a new 3Z version of its Ardiden turboshaft engine to power the ZA10’s electrical generator, has not abandoned the program. A spokesman told AIN that the French company has “slowed down” development of the Ardiden 3Z due to the financing “difficulties” its prospective partner faces.

 


Zunum introduced U.S. private charter operator JetSuite as the launch customer for the 12-seat ZA10 in May 2018, with an announcement calling for it to add up to 100 of the aircraft to its fleet. A spokesman for JetSuite this week told AIN that it had no comment to make about the status of the order.

 


Zunum Aero, founded by former Google executive Ashish Kumar, launched plans for the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2017-10-05/zunum-details-plans-first-hybrid-electric-regional-aircraft">ZA10 aircraft in 2013</a>, promising operating costs of just 8 cents per seat-mile, or $250 per flight hour. The company’s longer-term plans call for a larger, 48-seat version called the ZA50, which would reach the market&nbsp;around 2030.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Zunum is Struggling to Raise Fresh Capital for its ZA10 Electric Aircraft

Zunum Aero needs to find replacement investors for early backers Boeing and JetBlue as doubts grow about the viability of its electric aircraft program.

Zunum's Electric Airliner Prospects Appear Increasingly Remote

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Ideas abound when 300 creators and innovators join together

UP.Summit 2024 Celebrates Mobility Technology 

Kerry Lynch

Global bizav flights were down 0.3% in September

Argus: Bizav Traffic Continues in 'Status Quo'

In the Covid aftermath, labor disputes compound labor shortages

Expert Opinion: OEM Covid Catch-up Remains Elusive

Chad Trautvetter

Derivative model expected to enter service as early as 2026

Gulfstream G300 Launch Could Be Nearing

Manufacturer has not commented on reported numbers, citing financial quiet period at its parent General Dynamics

Reports: Gulfstream G700 Deliveries Lag by a Dozen in Q3

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Straight talk about an industry that is making a lot of promises

Cutting Through the eVTOL Aircraft Hype With Independent Expert Sergio Cecutta

Company will bring a lineup of Citation jets to the NBAA-BACE static display

Textron Reverses Course, Plans Static Display at BACE

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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