Making travel magnificent again: How Magnifica Air plans to redefine luxury in the skies
October 16, 2025
Blurring the line between private jet opulence and first-class convenience, Magnifica Air is a US startup aiming to redefine how the elite travel.
Unveiled in late 2024, the airline plans to begin operations in 2027 with a concept it calls ‘private class’, a hybrid model promising the exclusivity of a charter and the accessibility of a scheduled carrier.
At its core, Magnifica Air wants to make the private jet experience scalable. Instead of ownership or on-demand charter, passengers will book individual seats on tailored routes flown by a fleet of purpose-fitted aircraft with ultra-luxurious, low-density cabins.
According to Wade Black, CEO of Magnifica Air: “In aviation, what people remember most is how you made them feel.”
Why Magnifica is more than just a boutique airline
More than just a boutique airline, Magnifica’s founders, or ‘visionaries’ as they are described on the company’s website, say travelling with the airline will be more than just a flight. From VIP lounges to bespoke inflight services, it will be a door-to-door curated journey.
“With Magnifica, we’re redefining what it means to travel first-class. Our vision is simple: we’re building a model that sits comfortably between private aviation and first-class commercial flights. The big differentiator? Your journey doesn’t start at the airport; it starts at your door,” the company says.
AI and facial recognition are being integrated at every stage of the journey to ensure a frictionless process from booking a flight to checking in and proceeding through security. “When passengers travel with us, we’re constantly collecting feedback – through data, through direct guest interaction – so we can adjust in real time,” Magnifica adds.
Magnifica also underlines how it is using technology to ensure “personalisation at every touchpoint.” From a passenger’s favourite meal to their ideal seat, the optimum cabin temperature – everything will be taken care of because Magnifica’s system has been “designed to know you.”
Magnifica’s luxury interior finish in collaboration with Comlux
Magnifica Air plans to launch with six Airbus A220-300s for its medium-haul routes and two Airbus A321neos for longer flights. The aircraft will be delivered through Air Lease Corp, with each aircraft carrying 45-54 passengers, with two to four fully enclosed private suites on each.
For the VIP cabin outfitting, Magnifica has partnered with Comlux in Indianapolis to ensure an “elevated passenger experience in the premium aviation sector.” Cabins will feature private suites, lie-flat seating and an airy feel thanks to the elimination of overhead bins.
Renowned for cabin modifications, aircraft maintenance and completions, Comlux is the exclusive completion partner of Airbus for the first 17 ACJ TwoTwentys, for which it has already successfully delivered multiple completed cabins.
The deal with Magnifica not only strengthens Comlux’ existing backlog of completion projects, “it validates the strategic positioning and transition the company has been undergoing over the past few years,” said Comlux America CEO, Adam White.
“In addition to the 17 exclusive cabins on the ACJ TwoTwenty, it demands the same consistent, reliable, quality interiors inside the newest commercially viable airframes, expanding all of the benefits of a private charter, or ownership, to a wider customer base,” he continued.
In addition to handling the full completion of the eight Airbus aircraft in Magnifica’s, Comlux will deliver structure, systems, interiors, connectivity and bespoke features.
Following the deal, which was announced on 14 October, Black described Comlux as the “best in the business when it comes to exceptional outfitting.”
He added that the partnership represents a “global handshake grounded in our shared dedication to craftsmanship and excellence.”
White agreed. “This collaboration marks a significant step toward a new future in premium air travel, and we couldn’t be more excited,” he said.
Where will Magnifica fly and what will it cost?
Magnifica plans initially to serve key US markets, such as Miami, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Houston. These core routes will be complemented by seasonal routes to high-end destinations including Napa Valley and the Caribbean.
In addition to private bookings online or with a dedicated concierge, access to this experience will also be through Magnifica’s Seven Club membership programme. Members will benefit from guaranteed seat access, fixed pricing, priority bookings and invitations to curated lifestyle events. Two membership packages are based on either a family membership with a USD14,950 initiation fee or a corporate membership based on a USD29,950 initiation fee.
According to Magnifica, it will bridge the gap between first-class and private aviation when it comes to cost. Although ticket prices have not yet been released, passengers seeking a truly luxurious experience have two options: “pay 10 times the cost of a first-class ticket for a private jet, or deal with the frustrations of commercial first-class travel, where you’re still treated like just another number.”
According to Magnifica, it offers a fully private, seamless experience for a fraction of what you’d pay to charter a jet.
“That’s where we’re shaking up the industry,” it says. “The level of luxury and service we’re bringing is something that’s simply not available at this price point. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, every detail is tailored to you, but without the overwhelming cost that usually comes with private aviation.”
A niche market or an opportunity to soar?
It’s a space where few have succeeded. Launching a new airline and especially one targeting the ultra-premium niche is no easy feat. Certification, maintenance and capital costs are steep, and that’s before supply chain challenges and competition for consumer loyalty have been factored in.
However, Magnifica Air has one advantage in that it is a division of CIG Companies, which is behind Magnifica Residences and Magnifica Resorts, both of which are due to launch next year and both of which will help the airline tap into the luxury market and a pool of high-net-worth individuals.
If all goes according to plan, by the end of 2027, Magnifica Air’s sleek black, white and gold fleet of Airbus jets will be luring an affluent crowd into a new era of refined, luxury travel. While its success remains to be seen, one thing is certain – Magnifica Air is determined to make flying magnificent again!
Featured image: Magnifica Air / Comlux America
