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

Blade Urban Air Mobility today reached agreement to add up to 20 of Beta Technologies’ $4 million Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft to its passenger transportation network, with deliveries due to start in 2024, followed by operations from 2025.&nbsp;According to Blade, the aircraft will be acquired through its “third-party financing relationships” with its operating partners, and Jet Linx Aviation is set to be the first&nbsp;to start operating an initial batch of five aircraft.&nbsp;

 


On a full charge, the Alia will be able to operate on routes of up to 250 nm (288 miles), carrying six people (including a pilot) or three standard cargo pallets at speeds of up to 170 mph. Beta says it will take 50 minutes to recharge the aircraft, which is to be certified under FAA’s Part 23 rules.

 


Blade says that, initially, the Alia will operate from the company’s existing private terminal infrastructure in the northeast U.S. where Beta will install its purpose-built recharging facilities. Most of the company’s services, which currently use a mix of helicopters and amphibious fixed-wing aircraft, are&nbsp;concentrated around the New York City area, as well as south Florida, Nantucket, and the Hamptons.&nbsp;According to Beta, the Alia will be 10 times quieter than a helicopter when hovering, and even quieter during cruise flight.

 


A longer version of this story is available at&nbsp;<a data-hs-link-id="0" href="https://www.futureflight.aero" rel="noopener" target="_blank">FutureFlight.aero</a>, a news and information resource developed by&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;to provide objective, independent coverage, and analysis of cutting-edge aviation technology, including electric aircraft developments and advanced air mobility.

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.

Blade to Add 20 Beta eVTOLs to Urban Air Mobility Fleet

Over the past week Beta Technologies announced orders for up to 170 of its six-seat Alia 250 all-electric aircraft from Blade Urban Air Mobility and UPS.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 EIS

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

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.

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors 

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

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 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.

More In Aircraft

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 EIS

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

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

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

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

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

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN