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

AutoFlight has flown a prototype for its Properity eVTOL aircraft during an event held in Japan’s Okayama prefecture to promote the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) services. The flight on November 29 was conducted through a partnership with local not-for-profit group MASC, which is looking to include eVTOL vehicles in its plans for the Setouchi Community AAM Infrastructure 2028 Project.
According to MASC, the public demonstration is intended to be the first in a series of test flights in several Japanese cities. The Setouchi region spans Japan’s inland sea, connecting three of its main islands—Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—and the organization is exploring ways to modernize transportation links.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="AutoFlight Prosperity eVTOL aircraft" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11201a77-d0d1-4167-be0a-f048f07fe74f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/AutoFlight_Okayama_291124_4.jpg" width="1280" height="894" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>eVTOL aircraft like AutoFlight's Properity model could improve transportation across Japan's Setouchi region.</figcaption>
</figure>

During the course of 2024, China-based AutoFlight has conducted several demonstration flights with the Prosperity vehicle. Other flights have been conducted between <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-27/autoflights-prosperity-evtol-aircraft-conducts-autonomous-flight-demo">Shenzhen and Zhuhai</a> in the Pearl River Delta and across the Yangtze River near Nanjing. In May, the six-seat aircraft flew approximately 67 nm during a demonstration in Abu Dhabi.
In August, electric battery manufacturer <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-08-05/battery-group-catl-invests-autoflights-evtol-aircraft-plans">CATL announced</a> plans to make a strategic investment worth “hundreds of millions of dollars” in AutoFlight. In April, the company <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-30/autoflight-begins-chinese-certification-prosperity-evtol">applied for Chinese type certification</a> for the piloted Prosperity model, five weeks after the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued a type certificate for the smaller, uncrewed CarryAll eVTOL freighter.

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.

AutoFlight Demonstrates Prosperity eVTOL Prototype in Japan

Flight in Okayama prefecture is latest public demonstration of Chinese aircraft

Japanese not-for-profit group MASC is evaluating AutoFlight's five-passenger eVTOL aircraft as an option for improving transport links in the Setouchi region.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Mark Huber

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.

2024 was marked by the certifications of the G700 and unveiling of the next generation of CJs

Aircraft in 2024: Bigger, Better, Bolder

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

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.

Key milestones set for 2024 and 2025 now appear to be in doubt

Finish Line Still Eludes Advanced Air Mobility Rush

Curt Epstein

OEMs finish out year with strong order books

Business Jet Market Stable Heading into 2025

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

Hybrid-electric drone could support relief operations in Puerto Rico

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Diverse Fleet

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.

Razor VTOL aircraft features turbine engines that provide thrust vector control by tilting on gimbals.

Mayman Pursues Multiple Military Missions for Razor Drone 

Hanneke Weitering

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 information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

More In Aircraft

Aircraft in 2024: Bigger, Better, Bolder

2024 was marked by the certifications of the G700 and unveiling of the next generation of CJs

Finish Line Still Eludes Advanced Air Mobility Rush

Key milestones set for 2024 and 2025 now appear to be in doubt

Business Jet Market Stable Heading into 2025

OEMs finish out year with strong order books

UrbanLink Plans to Add Orca Cargo Drones to Diverse Fleet

Hybrid-electric drone could support relief operations in Puerto Rico

Mayman Pursues Multiple Military Missions for Razor Drone

Razor VTOL aircraft features turbine engines that provide thrust vector control by tilting on gimbals.

Sierra Nevada’s Rapcon-X ISR Jet Makes First Flight

Rapcon-X is a heavily modified Bombardier Global 6500 business jet

Electra's Hybrid-Electric STOL Demonstrator Flies in Pentagon Exercise

Ultra short landing and takeoff performance could support military applications

Gulfstream Notches G600/G500 Delivery Milestone

To date, 300 of the large-cabin jet family have been delivered

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