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

Japanese carmaker&nbsp;Suzuki Motor Corporation is getting behind SkyDrive's&nbsp;efforts to develop a two-seat personal eVTOL vehicle. Suzuki is now supporting the Toyko-based start-up on multiple aspects of research and development work, preparations for manufacturing, and business planning.
Since October 2021, SkyDrive has been engaged in the type certification process with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT). The timeline for&nbsp;bringing the flying car to market has slipped from late 2023 to 2025 after the company acknowledged that more time is needed for the approval process.
The MLIT, which includes the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, will evaluate the single-seat, all-electric SD-03 prototype for environmental performance as well as for airworthiness. The two-seat SD-05 is the company's designation for the version of the vehicle that will be evaluated for type certification purposes and which it intends to start delivering from 2025.&nbsp;
In August 2020, SkyDrive raised ¥3.9 billion ($31 million) in a Series B funding round to support its development of urban air mobility technology, including flying cars and cargo drones. The start-up, which was founded in 2018 and now has cargo drones with payloads in excess of 30 kg (66 pounds) working at industrial sites, has now raised more than $50 million.
In a statement on March 22, Suzuki indicated that it views flying cars as an opportunity to develop, “a fourth mobility business.” The automotive group did not mention whether it will be making a financial investment in SkyDrive.
The SkyDrive vehicle is one of several eVTOL models expected to start commercial services during the 2025 World Exposition in the Japanese city of Osaka.
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Charles Alcock

SkyDrive's efforts to start delivering a two-seat flying car in 2025 are now receiving support from Japanese carmaker Suzuki. (Image: SkyDrive)

Car Maker Suzuki Backs SkyDrive's Plans To Bring Flying Car to Market

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