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

Signature Aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure developer UrbanV are working on plans to support regional air services with Electra Aero’s EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The three companies announced their partnership on Tuesday, saying they intend to combine vertiports with Signature’s global network of private aviation terminals.
The alliance with Signature and UrbanV is part of Electra’s wider plan to help operators launch new routes from completely new landing sites beyond existing airports. According to the Virginia-based start-up, the nine-passenger EL9 will be able to operate from strips as short as 150 feet, providing alternatives to cars for trips of about 50 to 250 miles.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the partners does not specify which Signature FBO locations could be among the first to support what Electra calls Direct Aviation services. Additionally, the announcement did not say whether Signature might provide ground support for off-airport locations. &nbsp;
Both partners said they will jointly “identify and develop Ultra Short access points along core demand centers. The goal is to move efficiently toward site-specific term sheets that define how this new model is deployed in practice,” the announcement explained.
<h2>Signature’s Latest AAM Play</h2>
Signature has previously announced partnerships with several other electric aircraft manufacturers and prospective operators, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-08-13/signature-fbos-could-support-autonomous-evtol-air-taxis">Wisk Aero</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-06/signature-and-urbanlink-set-course-electric-flight">Beta Technologies</a>. It operates FBOs at more than 200 airports in 27 countries across five continents.
Italy-based UrbanV has been <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-12/signature-aviation-urbanv-establish-jv-vertiport">working with Signature</a> on vertiport plans since 2025. It has plans to establish AAM infrastructure in Rome, having launched this initiative with the now-defunct eVTOL developer Lilium and later reviving it with prospective operator <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-04/urbanv-partners-evtol-operator-ffg-develop-vertiport-network">Future Flight Global</a>.
“Together with Signature Aviation, UrbanV is building an infrastructure platform with deep aviation roots: from FBO electrification and airport-based AAM operations to dedicated vertiport networks and strategically selected off-airport sites,” said UrbanV executive director Massimiliano Pane.
Last month, Electra released its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-05-26/electra-report-shows-direct-aviation-market-opportunity">Direct Aviation Market Outlook</a>, in which it predicted an addressable market in the U.S. for new aircraft of more than 35 million regional passenger trips per day. This prediction is based on more than 6,000 routes used by more than 1,000 passengers each day.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Signature Aviation and UrbanV To Support Electra ‘Direct Aviation’ Flights

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Business aviation services group Signature is working with vertiport developer UrbanV to develop a ground network for Electra’s EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft.

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

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.

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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.

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