Flying higher Magnus Aircraft

© Gergely Besenyei – magnus Aircraft

fLying higher

Hungarian aircraft producer Magnus Aircraft was set up to create an innovative new generation of aircraft that meets today’s expectations and has multifunctional features. The company is now about to start the standardised production of its main product, the Magnus Fusion 212, to serve markets in the US and in China. Edina Beale reports.

© Gergely Besenyei – magnus Aircraft

Soon after its establishment in 2014, the Hungarian aircraft producer Magnus Aircraft developed its first aircraft, the Magnus Fusion 212, which still remains the firm’s main product today. The company’s skilful engineers implemented a combination of technologies that are only used by a few manufacturers worldwide. The aircraft is a low-wing monoplane, its symmetrical wing profile providing superb aerobatic capabilities and its large control surfaces ensuring advanced steerability. Due to its high-strength, carbon fibre and honeycomb structure enforced design, the Magnus Fusion 212 is able to take a load between -3 and +6 G.

Global presence

Once Magnus Aircraft received the FAA certification, the firm was able to strengthen its international connections and saw an opportunity to enter into the international market. In 2015 a strategic decision was made to launch the Magnus Fusion 212 on first the European then the world market. Magnus has established a subsidiary in the US under the name of Magnus Aircraft INC and set up a new joint venture company in China, registered under the name of Hebei Tianshan Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing Co.

In recent years the company has experienced growing interest in its product from foreign markets, therefore a large investment has become necessary to extend its capacities. The management came to the decision to build a new production plant near Pécs-Pogány in the south of Hungary. The foundation stone was laid in August 2017 and with funding from the Hungarian government the new production facility is currently being built. According to plans the new factory will open before the end of 2018 and the manufacturing process of the Fusion 212 will switch to standardised production.

Constant product development

Magnus is constantly looking at how to maximise the quality of its products in all areas. The company has signed an agreement with the University of Pécs in regard to research and development projects and dual programmes at the university.

At present the Magnus Fusion 213 is the only model in the final stage of development. This model is the newest version of the Fusion product line and it is predominantly designed for recreational and educational purposes. “The aircraft is equipped to provide the best quality flight experience,” says László Boros, chief executive of

© Gergely Besenyei – magnus Aircraft

© Gergely Besenyei – magnus Aircraft

Magnus Aircraft Zrt. “During the development stage, we took notice of various aspects, customer demand and their feedback and I can proudly confirm that this model is the best we have ever made.”

Aiming for growth

Magnus currently employs 25–30 people; however, this number is constantly growing as a result of the company’s dynamic development. Within a few years it is aiming to provide jobs for a total of 110 employees. As part of its growth strategy, the company is working on building a dealer network to gain a larger presence in the international market. Besides its companies in the US and China, Magnus also now has a distributor in Australia.

In order to increase its sales Magnus puts great emphasis on brand building and regularly attends fairs and exhibitions to popularise its products. This year the company represented itself at the XII Pollack EXPO and the International Automobil and Tuning Show where industry players meet up to exchange ideas. At the AERO Friedrichshafen 2018 EXPO visitors were able to look at the Fusion 212 model and the eFusion aircraft as well as enjoying the experience of flying with the Fusion simulator. During the expo, Magnus Aircraft launched its brand new Innovator Network, a system which aimed to find new owners for five Magnus eFusions.

Good prospects

Mr Boros is confident about the company’s level of competence: “In the international market we work against strong competition, but based on the feedback I can honestly say that any member of the Fusion product line is competitive in terms of price, performance, safety and flight experience.”

The team at Magnus Aircraft has always believed that the future holds plenty of opportunities and it would only have to grab those when they come along. “We still feel exactly the same way now,” continues Mr Boros. “Establishing the international dealer network is a long-term process, but it has already brought great results. At this moment our main goal is to start our standardised production activity in our new manufacturing site and to use the extra capacities we have as a result of receiving the CS-LSA certificate, which is currently under progress. Besides this, we aim to increase our sales and focus on brand building. It is also a priority to meet the highest needs of our customers and partners and based on customer feedback we seem to be successful in this.” n