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

AirAsia plans to lease at least 100 of Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft and deploy them for urban air mobility services in Southeast Asian cities. Under a non-binding memorandum of understanding signed on February 16 during the&nbsp;Singapore Airshow, the Malaysia-based airline will take the aircraft from a batch of 500 units ordered by leasing group Avolon in June 2021.

 


Through Avolon’s investment and innovation affiliate Avolon-e, the companies&nbsp;say, they will work together to launch commercial&nbsp;operations of the four-passenger eVTOL models, with passengers booking flights using the AirAsia app. They are to form a working group to pursue local approvals for the aircraft, conduct market research, and evaluate infrastructure requirements.

 


Last year, Ireland-based Avolon placed another 350 of the aircraft—which&nbsp;it expects to add to its portfolio in 2025—with Japan Air Lines and Brazilian carriers Gol and Grupo Comporte. The aircraft, which is set to complete type certification in 2024, is expected to have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 200 mph. Other scheduled operators for UK-based Vertical's aircraft, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and Iberojet, have also placed provisional orders, as have&nbsp;Japanese investment group Marubeni and helicopter operator Bristow.

 


“We are now much more than just an airline with over 20 products and services on our super app leveraging off each other, including flights, hotels, food, retail, delivery, ride-hailing, and more,” commented AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Tony Fernandes. “I am truly excited about this partnership between Avolon and AirAsia and thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia.”

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.

AirAsia Makes Plans for eVTOL Air Taxi Services

The Malaysia-based airline group is set to lease 100 of Vertical Aerospace's four passenger VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon for flights booked on its app.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 8000 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Kerry Lynch

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Singapore Air Show 2022

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GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

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SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

AMSL Starts Untethered Flight Tests with Vertiia eVTOL Aircraft

Australian start-up is developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft

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