Otto Aerospace unveils windowless jet; Flexjet places $6 billion order

The Phantom 3500 seats eight to ten passengers and is positioned as a competitor to models like the Bombardier Challenger 350 and Embraer Praetor 600. At $19.5 million, its list price is lower than those competitors.

Performance-wise, the jet can reach an altitude of 51,000 feet—higher than the typical cruising altitude of similar jets—enabling it to avoid turbulence and further reduce fuel burn. Its estimated range is 3,500 nautical miles, making routes such as New York to London or Los Angeles to Honolulu feasible. The expected cruise speed is 590 miles per hour.

Otto Aerospace previously developed the Celera 500, which also utilized laminar flow technology. The company claims the Phantom 3500 achieves a 60% reduction in fuel burn over comparable jets and that carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 92% when using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with fuel costs dropping by 43%.

Industry efforts have focused on reducing private jet emissions due to growing scrutiny of their environmental impact. Otto Aerospace asserts that the Phantom 3500’s efficiency aligns with sustainability goals and appeals to operators seeking lower operating costs.

Removing windows eliminates a structural weak point and allows for a lighter, more aerodynamic fuselage. The manufacturer suggests that passengers may benefit from a panoramic view through advanced screens, an experience it calls “Super Natural Vision.”

Flexjet plans to add the Phantom 3500 to its fractional ownership program, allowing clients to purchase shares of the aircraft and buy flight hours instead of owning an entire jet. This approach has gained popularity, particularly among younger professionals, as indicated by industry data showing substantial growth in fractional ownership since the pandemic.

However, challenges remain. The Phantom 3500’s first flight is planned for 2027, with deliveries anticipated in 2030. The design has not yet been built or certified by the FAA, which could lead to delays. Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro stated: “The company is committed to innovation and is seeking manufacturers willing to move the needle in ways that the industry has not seen before.”

Safety concerns have been raised about the lack of windows, as they allow passengers and crew to assess outside conditions during emergencies. There are also questions about how passengers might react psychologically to flying in a windowless cabin for extended periods.

While Otto Aerospace’s windowless design introduces new possibilities for efficiency and sustainability, it remains uncertain whether such aircraft will become standard in US business aviation. Traditional passenger preferences for viewing the skies may continue to influence cabin design choices.