Florida-based luxury airline startup Magnifica Air has officially confirmed its identity as the mystery buyer for ten Airbus ACJ220-300 corporate jets. The order, which was previously listed in Airbus’ backlog under an unnamed customer, brings the carrier’s planned fleet to 17 aircraft. This total includes the newly confirmed ten ACJ220s, four additional airframes acquired through a leasing deal with Air Lease Corporation, and three ACJ321neos.
Ultra-Premium Cabin Configuration
Each of the ten ACJ220-300s will be equipped with a bespoke, low-density cabin designed to accommodate just 54 passengers. This stands in stark contrast to the approximately 150 seats found in standard commercial airline configurations. The interior layout features a single private suite, a reduction from the two suites originally showcased when the company unveiled its plans in 2025. The remaining 53 seats are configured to offer a premium business-class experience.
Airbus Corporate Jets described the interior as an ultra-premium cabin that provides considerably more space and comfort than conventional first-class options. The airline intends to use Airbus’ Skywise data platform, including Skywise Core X1, to support navigation, flight planning, crew management, and daily operations. CEO Wade Black stated that the ACJ fleet and Skywise software provide the necessary cabin, range, and operational backbone to deliver their “Private Class” experience.
Launch Delay and Membership Model
The startup has moved its launch timeline from 2027 to early 2028. Originally, Magnifica Air expected to receive its FAA Part 121 certificate by late 2026 and begin full operations in the third quarter of 2027. Production of the airline’s first A220-300 is reportedly already underway, though specific delivery dates have not been disclosed.
Magnifica Air plans to operate a concept it calls “Private Class,” which sits between commercial first class and private aviation. The service includes a membership program known as “The Seven Club.” Family memberships start at $14,950, while corporate memberships begin at $29,950. Elite tiers require deposits of $500,000 for families or $1 million for businesses, granting benefits such as fixed pricing, upgrades, and priority access to the private suite.
Ticket prices are expected to range from 1.5 to two times the average price of a first-class ticket, depending on the route and demand. The service also promises a chauffeured car from the passenger’s home or office, premium dining, and checked luggage returned within 10 to 15 minutes of landing.
Route Expansion and Market Context
The airline plans to launch services connecting New York and South Florida. Subsequent expansion may include Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas, and Houston. Magnifica Air also intends to offer services for major events, including The Masters, Formula One, and the Super Bowl.
All-premium airlines remain a niche segment in the aviation industry. US carriers such as Eos Airlines, MAXjet, and Silverjet operated short-lived business-class-only services between New York and London but did not sustain operations. French carrier La Compagnie has operated all-business A321neos from Newark Liberty International Airport since 2014. Maldives-based Beond also operates all-premium aircraft using A319s and A321s.
Source: Simple Flying
