Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Electric propulsion innovator MagniX (Booth N61) is partnering with flight booking platform Surf Air Mobility (SAM) to convert Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop aircraft to hybrid-electric propulsion. Last week, SAM announced new alliances with MagniX and airframe modifications specialist and systems integrator AeroTec to develop a conversion package under a supplemental&nbsp;type certificate that Surf Air will own.
The deal is part of wider developments at SAM, which is looking to fund its ambitions through a $467 million <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-18/surf-air-fund-hybrid-electric-fleet-conversion-plan-through-initial-public">initial public offering</a> based on combining its business with special purpose acquisition company Tuscan Holdings. It is also acquiring U.S. regional airline Southern Airways, which operates a fleet of Grand Caravans that carried more than 300,000 passengers on routes connecting 39 cities in 2021. The operator is expected to expand the Surf Air network, which encompasses both scheduled services and on-demand charter flights.
MagniX is developing new electric propulsion units (EPUs) for multiple applications, including the so-called eBeaver conversion of the DHC-2 aircraft that Canadian operator Harbour Air intends to introduce to its fleet. The Washington state-based company is also providing all-electric propulsion for Eviation’s new Alice fixed-wing aircraft.
Another new program for MagniX involves a partnership with Desaer to develop a hybrid-electric version of its ATL-100 regional aircraft. It also has an agreement with Latin American on-demand charter provider Flapper, for which it will supply EPUs to convert 20 Grand Caravans, which it refers to as the eCaravan.
MagniX today announced the appointment of former Rolls-Royce executive Nuno Taborda as its CEO. He succeeds Roei Ganzarski, who left the company earlier this year. It is a sister company to Eviation, which is also owned by the Singapore-based Clermont Group.
Taborda spent more than 20 years with Rolls-Royce, most recently serving as the aircraft engine maker’s senior vice president for production programs. In this role, he was responsible for all production of the manufacturer’s business aircraft engines, including the latest Pearl turbofans. “We are on the cusp of the biggest technological leap aviation has seen since the development of the gas turbine by Sir Frank Whittle,” he commented.
“Nuno is a leader with deep experience in all aspects of the aviation industry,” said MagniX chairman Dominique Spragg. “His entrepreneurial mindset will be highly valuable to MagniX as we continue to pioneer electric solutions for the future of flight. Furthermore, the expertise and background Nuno brings to the team come at a crucial point for MagniX as we move our electrical propulsion systems towards certification and intro production at scale.”
In June 2021, MagniX added the Magni350 and the Magni650 EPUs to a portfolio that started with the Magni500. With respective power ratings of 350 kW and 650 kW, these units offer alternatives to the 500 kW Magni500, which has already been flown on converted aircraft including a Beaver and a Grand Caravan.
The direct-drive, liquid-cooled EPUs operate at 2,300 rpm or less and at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet in unpressurized environments. The EPUs can drive propellers and other standard aircraft accessories.

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