US-based private airline Magnifica Air has unveiled ambitious expansion plans that will see it rapidly grow its fleet of ultra-premium-configured airliners following the start of operations in 2027.
Launched at the NBAA-BACE show on 14 October, Magnifica Air will initially operate six Airbus A220-300s and a pair of A321neos in a layout that chief executive Wade Black refers to as “private class”.
Initial lease and purchase agreements have been signed with lessors Air Lease (ALC) and Azorra and another agreement for more A220s will follow “within the next 30 days”, says Black.
He sees the fleet growing to 25 aircraft “within a four-year timeline”, based on the forecast popularity of its offering. Operational launch is set for the third quarter of 2027.
Black says Magnifica Air, which will be a US Part 121 carrier, “will be operating between the first-class commercial airline market and the private charter world”.
That will see the A220-300s configured with just 54 seats in an all-first-class layout and the A321neos equipped with 44-46 full-flat seats, including four private suites at the front and a lounge at the rear.
Magnifica Air is purchasing two A220s from Azorra, both previously operated by EgyptAir. The first of these will arrive with completions partner Comlux in Indianapolis in December to begin the around 18-month fit-out process, with the second following in early 2027.
EgyptAir retired its A220 fleet after encountering persistent issues with the type’s Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines. Although admitting he is “worried” by the potential for a repeat of those problems, Black says the partnership with Azorra means “we feel in pretty good shape”.
The A321neos will also be powered by Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines.
Magnifica Air will begin operations with a domestic route network connecting cities including New York, Chicago, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Houston, Palm Beach, Los Angeles and San Jose. A one-way ticket will be in the region of $20,000-$25,000.
While international destinations are eventually contemplated – likely to resorts in the Caribbean – Black is in no rush to fly outside of the USA, in part to avoid the pitfalls that scuppered previous launches in the segment.
“The temptation to fly internationally first provides additional complexity,” he says. “We will be flying domestically and build our programme within that area and grow from there.”
It may also seek a partnership with an existing “top five airline”, Black says. “That’s the experience we are trying to bring to domestic US flying.”
Previous entrants in the sector were also “not properly capitalised before growing”, says Black. Magnifica Air has been backed with initial funding of $150 million from its parent company CIG and is seeking additional financing.
The airline is a spin-off from existing luxury lifestyle brand Magnifica, whose founders Charles and Stacey Carey are assisting with its wider offering.
“Air Lease is pleased to lease these new Airbus A220s and A321neos to Magnifica Air and be the first to provide brand-new aircraft to the airline, which plans to use them to redefine luxury air travel by making the journey on our aircraft, a destination itself,” says David Beker, Air Lease executive vice-president.
