Continental Motors certifying Titan IO-370 engine

“We’ll certify it this year,” Ross said at an EAA AirVenture press conference. “That product will be great, and we’ll offer it at a price that beats anything on the market.”

Continental has been on a buying spree in recent years, acquiring businesses such as the former Thielert line of diesel aircraft engines, ECI Titan, and other manufacturing and maintenance firms. This year, Continental is absorbing those new acquisitions and developing new products.

"This year is one of transition," Ross said. “Transition, stabilize, absorb.”

Behind the scenes, Ross said the company, based in Mobile, Alabama, is accelerating development on a variety of new products and improving its ability to innovate. Several new products, he said, will be unveiled in 2017.

“Next year is going to be fun,” he said.