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

Lyte Aviation has selected H3 Dynamics to provide the hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system for its planned 40-seat VTOL aircraft. Announcing the agreement on July 24, the companies said they will also work together to install H3 Dynamics’ self-contained electrolyzer systems at airports where Lyte expects its Skybus LA-44 to operate.
With provisional sales agreements in place covering 23 of the aircraft, Lyte is working on possible early <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-10-27/lyte-aviation-starts-use-case-study-skybus-regional-air-services-europe">use cases</a> in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. It said the pre-orders are worth €920 million ($998 million).
Lyte is also working on a cargo version called the SkyTruck LA-44C that will have a payload of around 9,900 pounds, as well as a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-29/lyte-aviation-expands-la-44-hydrogen-electric-vtol-aircraft-family-offer">19-seat version</a> for corporate customers. The company said it has been able to expand the range for some applications, such as humanitarian aid, to 2,000 kilometers (1,086 nm). This is twice the standard projected range of 1,000 kilometers.
Toulouse-based H3 Dynamics has previously developed auxiliary power unit fuel cells for the Airbus A330 airliner. It will help Lyte to integrate the propulsion system into the LA-44 aircraft.
H3 Dynamics already supplies a range of self-contained hydrogen-electrolyzer systems capable of producing green hydrogen on demand. “As we are already in close collaboration with airports in Europe and the U.S., we need to make sure that our customers can benefit from efficient and easily available hydrogen infrastructure solutions,” said Freshta Farzam.

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

H3 Dynamics Will Provide Hydrogen Fuel Cells For Lyte VTOL Aircraft

The companies will also work to install hydrogen electrolyzers at airports to produce the fuel

Lyte Aviation's LA-44 VTOL aircraft will use hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system developed by H3 Dynamics.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

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.

"Supply chain is affecting a lot of things right now."

Engines Leaders Rev Up for 2025

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.

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.

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

Trading update reports strong demand in the commercial airliner engines sector

Rolls-Royce Confirms Closure of Electric Propulsion Unit

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

RTX company Pratt & Whitney Canada is part of the government-backed INSAT program

Hydrogen Combustion Test To Start on PW127XT Turboprop Engine

Companies signed a new memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration

ZeroAvia and PowerCell Agree To Scale Up Fuel Cell Partnership

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.

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