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

Latest news about Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer EHang

China Southern Airlines is planning to operate EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL aircraft for various commercial applications in and around the Zhuhai area under a new partnership with the manufacturer. On July 1, the carrier’s General Aviation division signed a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou-based EHang to work together on plans for flight operations and supporting the two-seat autonomous vehicle.
The timing for the launch of commercial flights depends on EHang securing an operating certificate for the aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. It already holds type and production certificates and has been delivering multiple examples of the EH216-S to be used for <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-26/ehang-conducts-more-passenger-flight-demonstrations-china">small-scale flight demonstrations</a> on a non-commercial basis under special permits.
China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSGAC) already operates helicopters for services including support for oil and gas platforms, power line patrols, emergency rescue missions, and other public services. It has a base in Zhuhai and is also located in Zhanjiang (in Guangdong province), Sanya (Hainan), and Xingcheng (Liaoning).
Under the terms of the agreement with EHang, initial flights will be used for tourist sightseeing trips from Zhuhai’s Jiuzhou Airport to provide views of the Zhuhai Chimlong Ocean Kingdom and other leisure destinations. The partnership will also explore the case for flights to connect with islands off the coast near Zhuhai.
“As a leading general aviation company in China, CSGAC is actively exploring expansion into the emerging low-altitude industry,” said the company’s chairman, Erbao Li. “This cooperation will create innovative archetypes for the low-altitude economy, unlocking new growth opportunities for the general aviation industry and driving the high-quality advancement of the low-altitude economy industry chain in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.”

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