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

VoltAero has unveiled the first example of its revised design for the Cassio 330 hybrid-electric regional airplane. The French company is displaying a mockup of the five-passenger model this week at the Paris Air Show.
According to VoltAero CEO and chief technology officer Jean Botti, the engineering team changed the Cassio 330 from an earlier design with a twin boom and tailplane to a more conventional T-shaped tail in response to certification concerns that surfaced in discussions with EASA. They have also adopted a series hybrid powertrain with a pair of Safran EngineUs electric motors and pusher propellers, instead of a single large propeller.
Botti told AIN that while the series hybrid configuration with a turbogenerator providing propulsive power for the motors and recharging batteries is not quite as energy-efficient as the earlier parallel hybrid powertrain, it will clear the company’s path to achieving type certification under CS23 rules at the end of 2027. He said that having two aft-mounted motors will give the Cassio 330 more flexibility for commercial operations, given current restrictions on commercial single-engine IFR flights.
VoltAero intends to adopt its original propulsion architecture for the larger <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-28/voltaero-displays-cassio-330-mockup-partner-sky2share">Cassio 480 and 600 models</a> it aims to bring to market later. Montpellier-based regional airline Airways Aviation has placed provisional orders for 15 Cassio 330s.
The manufacturer aims to start flight testing in the first half of 2026. “At first, we will only fly with the thermal power because we don’t want to mix all the [power] variables, but at the same time, we would validate the hybrid powertrain [on the ground],” Botti said. “After we do the first round of flights by mid-2026, we will integrate the powertrain with the aerostructures to validate [the complete aircraft] in 2027.”
Last week, VoltAero announced it is offering a parallel hybrid powertrain for use with kit-built aircraft. The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-05/voltaero-launches-hybrid-electric-powertrain-kit-built">HPU 210</a> combines a 60-kilowatt electric motor, as well as a battery with a Kawasaki H2SX thermal engine that provides up to 150 kilowatts of electric power.

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.

VoltAero Unveils Redesigned Hybrid-electric Cassio 330 Airplane

Five-passenger aircraft could begin flight tests next year

The Cassio 330 features a pair of electric pusher propellers as part of a new series hybrid powertrain VoltAero adopted to accelerate type certification.

VoltAero Unveils Redesigned Hybrid-electric Cassio 330 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 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.

Undisclosed business jet buyer has yet to announce service offering

Mystery Customer Buying Up to 120 Global, Challenger Jets

Dale Smith

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.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has operated its fleet of flying ambassadors since 1925

Celebrating the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th Birthday

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.

Interim managing director Stefan Benz will take more time to consider long-term options

Decision on EBACE Show’s Future Deferred until Late July

Hanneke Weitering

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Republic Airways is the latest customer to receive an aircraft for testing.

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Debuts at Paris Air Show

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.

Paris Air Show 2025

In this article

VoltAero

More In Aircraft