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

Helicopter flight booking platform AirX has agreed to introduce 50 of <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/ehang-autonomous-aerial-vehicle">EHang’s EH216 eVTOL</a> aircraft to&nbsp;its Japan-based network. Announcing what it called preorders for the two-seat, autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV), the Chinese manufacturer said it represents the largest deal it has done so far with a Japanese customer.
AirX was founded in 2015, offering flights in helicopters operated by other companies, using its database and application to identify available aircraft and provide instant pricing. The Tokyo-based company intends to add eVTOL aircraft to its Airos service and has indicated that these could be available in 2025, in time for that year’s World Expo event in Osaka, Japan.
The AirX platform includes more than 100 sightseeing routes in its network and can also offer on-demand charters for point-to-point trips. The company said that it is booking more than 2,220 flights each year and has served more than 15,000 customers.
“The low-altitude transportation and tourism market has great potential and broad prospects,” commented AirX founder and CEO Tezuka Kiwamu. “By leveraging the advantages of autonomous flight technologies and centralized management, the EH 216 AAVs can provide customers with cost-effective aerial sightseeing services, which is why AirX has selected EHang as a partner in the global eVTOL market. We look forward to offering consumers safer and more convenient travel options with the EH216.”
EHang is working to complete the type certification of the EH216. It has not said when it expects to get approval from Japanese regulators for the vehicle, which has a range of around 25 miles.
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Charles Alcock

EHang is already pursuing the potential for its EH216 eVTOL to operate tourism flights in China, and the aircraft is now set to be used for sightseeing trips in Japan. (Image: EHang)

Japanese Flight Booking Platform To Add EHang's Autonomous eVTOLs to Network

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