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

Read the latest news about Archer Aviation. 

Archer Aviation this week expanded its network of so-called Launch Edition customers for its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL air taxi through an agreement with Indonesian conglomerate Industri Ketahanan Nasional (IKN). The $250 million deal, announced on Monday at the Paris Air Show, includes a provisional sales agreement covering up to 50 Midnight aircraft.
As with Archer’s other two Launch Edition partners—Abu Dhabi Aviation in the UAE and Ethiopian Airlines—IKN will work with its local regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Indonesia, to prepare the regulatory framework for commercial operations. In addition to developing an air-taxi network for the heavily congested city of Jakarta, the partners will develop other eVTOL use cases such as logistics and environmental surveillance to support the development of the country’s new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara.
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein told AIN that the company will deliver an aircraft to the UAE that will be used for test flights in Abu Dhabi. The UAE government is permitting limited operations—first autonomous and later piloted—to advance its bid for the world’s first commercial air-taxi services. Rival manufacturer Joby Aviation also intends to launch services in the UAE and has an exclusive agreement to operate in Dubai.
Last week, Archer announced that it raised a further $850 million to support efforts to complete FAA type certification of Midnight. According to the company, efforts to launch advanced air mobility services in the U.S. have been boosted by a recent executive order from President Donald Trump that calls for an eVTOL integration pilot program. Archer has committed to be the official air-taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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.

Archer Expands eVTOL Air Taxi Launch Edition Program to Indonesia

Manufacturer expects to deliver first aircraft for trial operations in the UAE in coming weeks

Industri Ketahanan Nasional could buy up to 50 of Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL aircraft as part of its plans to start air taxi services in Indonesia.

Archer Expands eVTOL Launch Edition Program to Indonesia

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Global 6500 could be fitted with Leonardo's ATOS

Leonardo and Bombardier Join Forces on Maritime Aircraft

Kerry Lynch

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

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.

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s first E2 customer

ANA Formalizes Plans to Add Embraer E190-E2s to Fleet

Sarah Rose

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.

Production site to open 2026

JetZero to Build Z4 Factory in North Carolina

More than 40 airframes invested in already

De Havilland Canada Advances Dash 8 Refurbishment Program

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.

Plans calls for the light jet to fly in 2027

Otto Secures $500 Million for Bizjet Production Plant

Refurb deal supports fleet growth

Skyward Express Adds Refurbished Dash 8 From DHC

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.

Paris Air Show 2025

In this article

Archer Aviation

More In Aircraft

Leonardo and Bombardier Join Forces on Maritime Aircraft

Global 6500 could be fitted with Leonardo's ATOS

ANA Formalizes Plans to Add Embraer E190-E2s to Fleet

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s first E2 customer

JetZero to Build Z4 Factory in North Carolina

Production site to open 2026

De Havilland Canada Advances Dash 8 Refurbishment Program

More than 40 airframes invested in already

Otto Secures $500 Million for Bizjet Production Plant

Plans calls for the light jet to fly in 2027

Skyward Express Adds Refurbished Dash 8 From DHC

Refurb deal supports fleet growth

Textron Aviation Secures First SkyCourier Order from Africa

Company also displaying latest special-mission King Air at Paris Air Show

Eve Air Mobility Scores Firm Order for 50 eVTOLs with Brazil's Revo at Paris Air Show

Revo is an established urban air mobility using helicopters in Brazil.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN