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

A pair of prominent eVTOL aircraft developers, Eve Air Mobility and Joby Aviation, this week announced new partnerships in Saudi Arabia. The deals covering aircraft sales and plans for maintenance and assembly support follow a flurry of recently signed agreements aimed at establishing eVTOL services in the neighboring UAE. They are further evidence of the Gulf region’s ambitions to be an early adopter of advanced air mobility.
Mukamalah, a subsidiary of oil and gas giant Saudi Aramco, on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to add an unspecified number of Joby’s four-passenger eVTOL vehicles to its fleet. During the Future Aviation Forum in the capital Riyadh, the companies agreed to work together with stakeholders including the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation to clear the way for Joby’s aircraft to be operational in the country.
Currently, Mukamalah operates 55 aircraft at 13 airports across Saudi Arabia, including nine sites it manages, as well as more than 300 helipads, including some on offshore energy installations. The Aramco group has a very significant corporate aviation operation.
Also during the forum in Riyadh, Saudia Technic and Eve Air Mobility signed a memorandum of agreement to explore a possible collaboration covering maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. The Brazilian manufacturer is also considering the possibility that Jeddah-based Saudia, which is part of the Saudi Arabian Airlines group, might be involved in reassembling its vehicle for the local market.
Eve is preparing to start series production of the aircraft in 2026 at its facility in Taubaté, Brazil. The company has reported letters of intent covering potential sales of nearly 3,000 vehicles.

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.

Eve and Joby Sign eVTOL Aircraft Agreements with Partners in Saudi Arabia

Mukamalah Aviation plans to add Joby's eVTOL aircraft to its fleet

Mukamalah Aviation, a Saudi Aramco subsidiary, plans to add Joby's eVTOL aircraft to its fleet, and rival Eve Air Mobility is also making plans in Saudi Arabia.

Eve and Joby Sign eVTOL Aircraft Agreements in Saudi Arabia

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.

In this article

Eve Air Mobility

Joby Aviation

More In Aircraft