<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>On reflection, it makes perfect sense that an aviation industry sector fueled by hype should gravitate toward the UAE—the world capital of hype. It is in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that eVTOL aircraft developers <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-09-29/joby-skyports-ink-air-taxi-deal-uae-emirate">Joby</a> and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-02/archer-flies-midnight-evtol-prototype-abu-dhabi">Archer</a> expect their four-passenger air taxis to find their first commercial use cases, with both U.S. companies already actively engaged with local partners in the country.</p>
<p>What remains unclear, is on what basis the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will permit passenger-carrying commercial flights or even the planned public demonstration flights. At face value, the agency would simply wait until the FAA issues type certification for the new eVTOL vehicles and then validate that documentation under bilateral agreements. But work with the FAA appears set to drag into 2026, which could delay plans in the UAE unless the authorities are willing to grant special permission to operate—as has been the case with eVTOL development in China.</p>
<p>Both Joby and Archer are exhibiting examples of their rival eVTOL models at the Dubai Airshow. Several other advanced air mobility (AAM) players are among the exhibitors, including Embraer spin-off Eve, Hanwha (which was a backer for the now-defunct Overair), Skyports Infrastructure, and WeflyAviation.</p>
<article class="media media--type-video media--view-mode-default">
  
        <div class="layout layout--onecol">
    <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
      <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediavideofield-media-oembed-video">
  
    
      
            <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="https://backend.ainonline.com//media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/aUz_Ki4ZSKE&amp;max_width=0&amp;max_height=0&amp;hash=LMYXJ5TuS7FuPrqQC4JF7Tw1ZHNSJZuONlVbzw5PV5c" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="How Archer is Advancing Its Ambitions to Bring eVTOL Aircraft to Market – FutureFlight"></iframe>
</div>
      
  </div>

    </div>
  </div>

  </article>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Other Contenders in the AAM Frame</h2>
<p>Senior leaders from Archer and Joby are prominent on the agenda of the AAM stage for the Dubai Airshow’s Aviation Mobility conference track, along with&nbsp;GCAA director general Saif Mohammed Al-Suwaidi. Skyports CEO Duncan Walker is also among the speakers, as is Ramandeep Oberoi from <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-04-25/uae-approves-first-hybrid-heliport-design">Archer’s local partner</a> Falcon Aviation Services, and Bai Zhiliang, CEO of TransFuture Aviation from China, which is developing the Honghu eVTOL and a family of drones.</p>
<p>WeFly Aviation, another Chinese company, is promoting its autonomous W280 eVTOL, which it flew for the first time in July. Abu Dhabi-based Autocraft is another eVTOL developer making a Dubai Airshow debut with plans for a vehicle called the E20+. From India, Sharla Aviation will be showcasing its plans for the six-seat Shunya air taxi.</p>
<p>Abu Dhabi-based Autocraft is stepping up its plans to operate eVTOL air taxi services. Earlier this year, it announced a deal with Shanghai-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-03-27/chinas-tcab-tech-raises-more-funds-e20-evtol-aircraft">TCab Tech</a>&nbsp;to order up to 350 of its five seat E20 vehicles to be&nbsp;deployed across the Middle East and North Africa.</p>


<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>


UAE Positions Itself as Global Testbed for eVTOL Operations

Developers of eVTOL aircraft are vying for attention at the Dubai Airshow

Joby and Archer are both going all-in with their plans to launch eVTOL air taxi services in the UAE, but multiple other start-ups want a piece of the action.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

<p>New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.</p>


<p>News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.</p>


<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>


Entrepreneur will use the six-seat single turboprop to fly between ranches

Daher Delivers First TBM 980 for a Brazilian Customer

Charlotte Bailey

<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>


Accelerated timeline would likely impact initial air combat capabilities

Leonardo CEO Eyes Expedited GCAP Entry Into Service 

Joseph Carfagna Jr.

Some seven-year-old jets have not depreciated at all

AINsight: The Fuzzy Math of Preowned Business Jet Values

Chad Trautvetter

Sales in the first half of 2026 are highest since 2022

Gulfstream Bizjet Sales, Deliveries Continue To Soar

Amy Wilder

Gulfstream said the record adds to a growing list of city-pair records

Gulfstream G700 Beats L.A.-Farnborough Record

Kerry Lynch

Services, backlog climb to record levels

Bombardier Results Strengthen on Globals, Services

Bizjet-based anti-jamming and intelligence-gathering capability revealed

IAI Unveils ‘Ellyon’ ISTAR Platform

Matt Thurber

<p>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.</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>


Dubai Airshow 2025

In this article

Joby Aviation

Archer Aviation

More In Aircraft