<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>


Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about Archer Aviation. 

<p>The Helicopter Company (THC) plans to operate Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft for air taxi services in Saudi Arabia. The companies announced the partnership, which also includes real estate group Red Sea Global, at the Dubai Airshow on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Rotorcraft operator THC is not committed to buying a specified number of the four-passenger Midnight model. For now, the companies will jointly develop and test plans for operating the aircraft for flights to Red Sea Global tourist properties, including The Red Sea and AMAALA.</p>
<p>According to Archer, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation is supporting the creation of a controlled “sandbox” location in which operational trials can be conducted. After the initial collaboration is complete, the partners said they will review the results and consider options for possible large-scale eVTOL air services.</p>
<p>THC has been operating commercial helicopter flights since 2019 and now has a fleet of more than 60 aircraft conducting missions including emergency medical support, aerial work, and private charters. In March, the group, which also includes Rotortrade, said that developing an advanced air mobility business model is a strategic priority.</p>
<p>Last week, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-11-15/saudi-regulator-accept-faa-approval-jobys-evtol">GACA confirmed</a> that it will accept the FAA’s type certification standards for the eVTOL aircraft being developed by Archer’s competitor, Joby Aviation. That company already has a partnership with Saudi group <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-04/saudi-group-agrees-be-distributor-jobys-evtol-aircraft">Abdul Latif Jameel</a>, which has agreed to buy up to 200 aircraft and act as Joby’s distributor.</p>
<p>In 2024, flag carrier Saudia signed a deal to buy up to 100 of Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL aircraft, but the German company subsequently went out of business. <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-22/eve-and-joby-sign-evtol-aircraft-agreements-saudi-arabia">Eve Air Mobility</a> also initiated a partnership in Saudi Arabia last year.</p>
<p>Archer displayed a mockup of the Midnight aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Along with Joby, it is also working on plans for eVTOL air taxi services <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-11-15/evtol-rivals-race-prove-air-taxi-use-case-uae">in the UAE</a>.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>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.</p>


Archer Launches Saudi eVTOL Air Taxi Partnership with Helicopter Operator

The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global will support test flights

The Helicopter Company and real estate developer Red Sea Global have agreed to help Archer develop plans to launch eVTOL air taxi services in Saudi Arabia.

Archer Launches Partnership with Helicopter Operator

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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<p>News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.</p>


<p>News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.</p>


<p>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.</p>


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<p>News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.</p>


The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global are also partnered with rival Archer 

Saudi Arabian Partners Sign Up For Joby eVTOL Flight Trials

<p>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.</p>


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<p>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.</p>


Russia’s latest fighter spearheads the nation’s participation at the Dubai Airshow.

Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter Flies at Dubai Airshow

A mix of the UAE's civil and defense aircraft showed off the variety of types in use by the country's military.

Dubai Airshow Opens with Massive UAE Flypast

Kerry Lynch

<p>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.</p>


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