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.

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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.”

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

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