Otto Aerospace announced a 300-aircraft order from Flexjet for its new windowless Phantom 3500 jet, after showcasing the plane at Bentonville’s UP.Summit on Sunday.
The Texas-based company announced the deal for its Phantom 3500 business jet, which leverages laminar-flow aerodynamics and carbon fiber composites to cut fuel burn by over 60%.
UP.Summit, hosted at the Bentonville Municipal Airport, is an invitation-only gathering of innovation in the transportation industry. The event was founded in 2017 and is organized by Tom Walton and Steuart Walton, both of Up.Partners, and Ross Perot Jr.
Otto Aerospace presented a full-scale mockup of the jet, giving attendees a first look at its ultrawide passenger video screen.
Notably, the jet does not have traditional passenger windows, instead replacing them with digital displays that integrate external views. The removal of passenger windows eliminates the structural aerodynamic compromises of conventional windows, according to Otto’s website.
The jet has an estimated price of $19.5 million and is scheduled to take flight in 2027, with Federal Aviation Administration certifications aimed for 2030.
Chief Executive Officer Paul Touw said in a news release that business jets have relied on derivative designs built from traditional aluminum structures, aerodynamics and manufacturing techniques.
“The Phantom 3500 will redefine private aviation, providing Flexjet with a fleet that dramatically reduces costs while expanding operational capabilities and enhancing the customer flying experience,” he said.
The new jet will be built at Otto’s planned campus at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Fla., and comes with a $515 million incentive package from the state of Florida.
Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci said the new design exemplifies how the company leads through innovation.
“The Phantom 3500 exemplifies that approach perfectly, marking a bold step into a future where an aircraft’s efficiency and sustainability stand alongside speed, comfort, and range as defining standards,” he said. “This collaboration with Otto Aerospace further affirms our leadership role in delivering to fractional aircraft Owners the future of luxury private aviation.”
Flexjet is a global fleet operator in private operation. It offers fractional ownership and leasing supported by fully integrated maintenance.
Flexjet aims to incorporate the Phantom jets to provide its customers with a more sustainable long-range travel experience.
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