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

Joby Aviation and its partners Skyports and the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) have started construction for the first of an initial four vertiports to be used for eVTOL air taxi services. The first of the new facilities is being built groundside at Dubai International Airport (OMDB) with convenient access to the main passenger terminals, metro rail station, and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-10-07/skyports-partners-parking-group-develop-dubai-vertiports">parking garage</a>.
The three-story, 33,368-square-foot structure will incorporate a pair of takeoff and landing stands for eVTOL aircraft. It will be equipped with Joby’s Global Electric Aviation Charging System, which has been designed for use with its four-passenger vehicle, but also other eVTOL models. Three other vertiports are to be built at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.
In February, the Dubai government granted U.S.-based Joby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-12/dubai-gives-joby-exclusive-rights-local-evtol-air-taxi-market">exclusive rights to operate eVTOL air taxi services</a>&nbsp;in the emirates for a six-year period. The manufacturer said it aims to start commercial operations there in late 2025, but this is contingent on its first completing FAA type certification, with the UAE’s air safety regulator expected to accept this approval under a bilateral agreement.
Joby recently started the process of earning an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-10/joby-applies-evtol-air-operator-certificate-uae">air operator certificate in the UAE</a>. It will be required to demonstrate the readiness of its aircraft, and also arrangements for maintenance, operations, and safety.
An event to mark the start of construction at OMDB was held this week. Among those participating in the ceremony were Dubai’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Dubai’s deputy ruler, Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum; RTA director general Mattar Al Tayer; and Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Joby and Skyports Start Building First Dubai Vertiport for eVTOL Air Taxis

Dubai's Road and Transport Authority is involved in construction of four vertiports

The first of four vertiports is under construction groundside at Dubai International Airport as Joby and partners prepare to launch eVTOL air taxi services.

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.

Ballot measure would have ceded decisions on runway expansion to residents

Aspen Residents Vote for County Control of Airport

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.

Aircraft owners will no longer have to fly to other airports to buy fuel

High-octane Unleaded Avgas is Now Available at Reid-Hillview Airport in California

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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

Reid-Hillview Starts Pumping High-octane Unleaded Avgas 

Jessica Reed

Strategic co-branding agreement bolsters ground support network

Universal Aviation Enters Portugal and Cape Verde with Safeport Partnership

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

The ClearVision EVS-5000 features multispectral camera technology

Universal's ClearVision Adapts to Airport Lighting Changes

Curt Epstein

Following the Category 3 storm, most Florida airports are back in service

Post-Milton, Florida Airports Pick Up the Pieces

Olislagers was executive director of Centennial Airport in Colorado for more than two decades

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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

In this article

Joby Aviation

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Aspen Residents Vote for County Control of Airport

Ballot measure would have ceded decisions on runway expansion to residents

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Aircraft owners will no longer have to fly to other airports to buy fuel

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Olislagers was executive director of Centennial Airport in Colorado for more than two decades

Skyports Partners with Parking Group To Develop Dubai Vertiports

Agreement paves the way for park-and-ride eVTOL air taxi services

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