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

Jennifer Leach English

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.

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

Hanneke Weitering

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.

In this article

Eve Air Mobility

Joby Aviation

More In Aircraft

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

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

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

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

Deliveries Increase as EHang Works to Boost eVTOL Aircraft Performance

Chinese manufacturing wants to extend range with solid-state batteries

NBAA Expands Roles for Two Senior Executives

Jo Damato and Andrew Broom assume additional responsibilities

Transport Canada Certifies Cirrus SR G7 and Vision G2+

Similarities between the piston- and jet-powered Cirruses make transition training easier

Electra Launches Hybrid-electric EL9 STOL Aircraft

Aircraft will be able to take off in 150 feet of runway

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN