Flexjet Orders 300 Windowless Phantom 3500 Jets

Flexjet has placed a firm order for 300 Otto Aerospace Phantom 3500 business jets — announced at the UP.Summit — marking one of the largest single fleet orders in business aviation history. The clean-sheet, windowless Phantom 3500 uses laminar-flow aerodynamics and precision all‑carbon‑fiber composites and replaces passenger windows with external-view digital displays; Otto says the design will cut fuel burn by more than 60% and potentially up to 90% when using sustainable aviation fuel. Otto expects a first flight in 2027, with FAA certification and deliveries beginning in 2030, but the program must still complete testing and approvals. The deal is valued at roughly $5.9 billion on market terms (about $19.5 million per jet), and Otto plans to build the jets at a new Jacksonville, Florida campus supported by a $515 million incentive package. Flexjet’s maintenance arm may become an Otto authorized service center, and both companies say the order advances more efficient, long‑range private aviation.