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

SkyWest Airlines aims to bolster its position as the world’s largest operator of Embraer’s E-Jets through a $3.6 billion deal signed at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday. The U.S. carrier placed firm orders for 60 E175s and secured purchase rights for 50 more.
Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 to SkyWest, which operates regional connections throughout North America for carriers including Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. Its fleet already includes 263 Embraer aircraft, and it has 16 more on order.
Embraer also found success in its defense business when the Lithuanian government said it had chosen the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The deal announced on Wednesday afternoon, which is subject to completion of the formal acquisition process, also covers industrial cooperation terms under which Lithuanian organizations could be involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and parts manufacturing for the twinjet.
<h2>Lithuania Ops for C-390 Transport</h2>
Lithuania’s military is working to enhance its operational readiness and interoperability with other NATO members. “We have carefully studied the various types of military transport aircraft available on the market, and our assessment has clearly shown that the C-390 Millennium is the most suitable platform to meet our national legal procedures and legislation,” said Loreta Maskaliovienė, the country’s vice minister of national defense.
She said that the final contract could be concluded in the coming months. In addition to Brazil, other countries that also chose the C-390 include Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Slovakia.
On the third day of the show at Le Bourget Airport, the Brazilian airframer also announced that South African carrier Airlink has agreed to lease 10 of the larger E195-E2s from Florida-based Azurra. Deliveries of the narrowbodies, which will come in a mix of 136- and 124-seat configurations, will start later this year and run through 2027.
Airlink has operated Embraer aircraft since 2001 and currently has a 68-strong fleet. According to the manufacturer, the E2, which is powered by Pratt &amp; Whitney’s Geared Turbofan engine, will deliver fuel savings of up to 29% compared with earlier-generation E195s it operates. The carrier serves 45 destinations in 15 Southern African countries, including Madagascar, as well as the South Atlantic island of St. Helena.
Embraer also logged new business for its E-Freighter E-190 passenger-to-freight conversion program, with Bridges Air Cargo set to become the launch operator when deliveries start in the third quarter. The agreement for two of the aircraft was conducted through leasing group Regional One, which already holds two orders for the E-Freighter.
In the advanced air mobility sector, Embraer spinoff Eve Air Mobility increased its potential backlog of orders for its four-passenger E-100 eVTOL aircraft. Future Flight Global (FFG) signed a letter of intent for 54 of the vehicles as part of its plan to launch air-taxi services in key markets that will likely include the Middle East and Europe.
U.S.-based FFG is working to establish a network in several locations worldwide and has previously committed to buying <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-20/future-flight-global-targets-multiple-evtol-aircraft-use">116 Archer Aviation Midnight eVTOLs</a>. It said that Eve’s connections with Brazil could help it to get established in that country.
On Wednesday, FFG announced a partnership with vertiport developer <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-04/urbanv-partners-evtol-operator-ffg-develop-vertiport-network">UrbanV</a> to work on advanced air mobility infrastructure in Brazil. The companies aim to convert helipads in São Paulo into operating bases for eVTOLs, and could extend these plans to Rio de Janeiro and other locations.

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