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

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

AmyWilder

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.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

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 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.

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

Latest structural tests earned credits towards FAA type certification

Joby Completes Static Load Tests on eVTOL Aircraft Tail

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

Singapore Air Show 2022

More In Aircraft