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

Read the latest news about German eVTOL developer Lilium.

Volocopter has reshuffled its management team as it pursues new investment options and type certification of its VoloCity eVTOL aircraft with a revised target date in 2025. On November 18, the German company announced that former Lilium CFO Oliver Vogelgesang has joined in the same capacity, with Christian Bauer moving to the position of chief commercial officer.
In February 2025, Dirk Hoke is stepping down as Volocopter’s CEO, and the company has yet to announce who will replace the former senior Airbus executive. Hoke’s departure was announced in September, when former Daimler group CEO Dieter Zetsche was appointed as chairman of Volocopter’s advisory board. Zhihao Xu, CEO of Chinese automotive group Geely Technology, joined the board at the same time.
Having experienced some program delays relating to systems such as electric motors, Volocopter has accepted that the EASA type certification process will have to extend into 2025. After receiving improved motors in recent weeks, the company is expanding the flight test envelope with its full-scale prototype as it works to accrue the hours required for certification.
Like Lilium, Volocopter applied for loans from the German federal and state governments. Federal officials supported the application, but the company then opted not to proceed with the process after lining up support from an undisclosed private investor in May. It has indicated that it may pursue further funding options in 2025.
Vogelgesang had been with Lilium as CFO since January 2023, with that company now facing a struggle to secure alternative investment sources to continue development of its eVTOL aircraft. He has three decades of financial management experience in the aviation industry, having previously held senior positions with both Airbus and EADS.

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

Volocopter Reshuffles Leadership as eVTOL Certification Slips into 2025

Lilium's CFO Oliver Vogelgesang is moving to Volocopter

With Lilium still scrambling to secure further funding, its CFO Oliver Vogelgesang is moving to Germany's other leading eVTOL aircraft developer, Volocopter.

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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.

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In this article

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