Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Electric propulsion systems manufacturer MagniX is now taking pre-orders from experimental aircraft builders for the MagniAIR electric engine, which was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-04-15/magnix-debuts-electric-motor-light-aircraft">unveiled</a> at the Sun ’n Fun show in April. Buyers can place pre-orders on the MagniX website and will be placed in a queue after making a $2,000 deposit.
The package includes the firewall-forward MagniAIR powertrain with MagniX Samson batteries and mounts for popular kit airplanes. The company is installing the propulsion system in a Vans RV-10 and expects to achieve first flight in early 2027. Deliveries of the MagniAIR systems are planned in 2027, and price for the motor and inverter system is expected to be compatible with the more than $100,000 price of a comparable piston engine. This does not include the Samson batteries. &nbsp;
MagniX expects manufacturers of aircraft under the FAA’s MOSAIC regulations to adapt MagniAIR systems to their new designs. “Final confirmation of queue holders’ production slots will be dependent on a further pre-production deposit,” according to MagniX.
The air-cooled MagniAIR motor delivers peak power of 235 shp and 174 shp continuous power. Shaft speed is 2,700 rpm, which is compatible with typical light airplane propeller speeds. With the time between overhaul of 5,000 hours, the motor weighs 43 kg (95 pounds) and the engine with inverter weighs 55 kg. Individual Samson battery packs weigh about 47 kg.
“I look forward to engaging with customers who want to secure a production slot and enjoy the benefits of the electric age of aviation,” said MagniX CEO Reed Macdonald. “With a lower cost of operation and reduced maintenance, our dream is to see MagniAIR expanding access to kit planes and other small aircraft, sharing our passion for flight with as many people as possible.”
“I have spent many happy hours flying recreational aircraft, so it is really rewarding to bring the magic of electric flight to this market,” said Ben Loxton, v-p of new product development. “We know the passion and commitment of experimental and kit plane enthusiasts, and I think they are going to love the experience of flying electric.”

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

MagniX Opens Order Book for Lightplane MagniAIR Electric Engine

Buyers can place a deposit for delivery in 2027

The purchase includes the firewall-forward MagniAIR powertrain with MagniX Samson batteries and mounts for popular kit airplanes. 

MagniX Opens Order Book for MagniAIR Electric Engine

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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.

Agreements cover PW1500/1900 turbofans and F-135 components

GKN Expands Partnerships with Pratt & Whitney

Kerry Lynch

V2X awarded the contract, continuing a longstanding relationship

P&WC Bridgeport Wins $1B T-6 Engine Overhaul Contract

David Donald

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.

Milestone notched in just over 14 years in service

GE’s Dreamliner Engine Passes 50 Million Hours

The Pratt & Whitney engine could power more than 60 new British Airways A320s

British Airways Picks Pratt & Whitney GTF for A320neos

Skylark series incorpates ePropelled’s new Unified Architecture technology

EPropelled Rolls Out Integrated Propulsion Line for Drones

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Engine maker boosts high pressure turbine and fuel nozzle reliability on 737s

CFM Certifies Leap 1B Engine Durability Kits

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.

250-year-old UK group is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange

IPO Boosts Engine Castings Specialist Doncasters

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

EAA AirVenture 2026

In this article

MagniX

More In Engines