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

The Australian government has awarded a grant worth A$3 million (about $1.9 million USD) to support AMSL Aero’s work to develop its Vertiia hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft. Announcing the award on August 18, the Sydney-based start-up explained that it is part of a wider two-year project called Liquid Hydrogen Powered Aircraft for Regional and Remote Australia that is backed with a total of A$7.56 million.
AMSL Aero is working with liquid hydrogen supplier Fabrum, along with universities Monash and Deakin, to address the technical, regulatory, and safety challenges associated with deploying hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft to open up air services to smaller and more remote communities in Australia. The project will focus on tasks such as developing safe liquid hydrogen refueling systems and testing advanced fuel measurement techniques and power distribution as part of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-03-25/amsl-prepares-test-hydrogen-powered-vertiia-evtol-aircraft">flight testing of the Vertiia</a>.
The latest funding for the Vertiia has come from the Department of Industry Cooperative Research Centres Program. The government is seeking data to help it develop regulations for the new mode of transportation. Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority has indicated that it may be ready to approve eVTOL commercial flights between 2027 and 2029.
AMSL has previously secured funding from private investors, including IP Group Australia, Telstra Super, Host Plus, and StB Capital Partners. The company is based at Bankstown Airport near Sydney, where it started <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-19/amsl-starts-untethered-flight-tests-vertiia-evtol-aircraft">untethered testing</a> with its first Vertiia prototype in November 2024.

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.

Vertiia Hydrogen-electric VTOL Aircraft Gets Australian Government Support

AMSL Aero and partners have received a grant worth approximately $1.9 million 

Australia’s Department of Industry is funding joint work to prepare viability of hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft serving remote communities across the country.

Vertiia Hydrogen-electric VTOL Aircraft Gets Government Support

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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.

Metrics were stable or up across the board in IADA’s market perceptions survey

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Six Midnight eVTOL aircraft are on the company's assembly line

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If you fly often enough, it could make financial sense to purchase your own aircraft.

Interview with Steve Varsano: Buying Your First Private Jet

Company is completing enhanced study on performance

Spike Laying Groundwork for Supersonic Bizjet 

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Part 5 of a series from new AIN Media Group title Leeham News and Analysis

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

Blown-wing technology demonstrator conducted flight trials with Virginia Tech and Surf Air Mobility

Electra Set to Take Deposits for Ultra Short Hybrid-electric Aircraft

Matt Thurber

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.

Latest development is autoland for piston-powered SR series

Safety Technology Satisfies Cirrus Aircraft Buyers

Amy Wilder

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

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