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.

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