Flexjet’s Billion-Dollar Bet on Otto Aerospace

Good morning! 

In today’s email:

• Flexjet Places Landmark 300-Aircraft Order with Otto Aerospace

• Around the Skies: Flight school faces lawsuit in deadly house crash, Ryan Air brings electric flight to Alaska, FAA furloughs 11,000 as shutdown begins, Gulfstream unveils long-awaited G300 jet, Aerolane’s ‘Sky-Train’ could transform air logistics

• PilotTube: The Ultimate Guide to Airspace—Simplified

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Flexjet Expands Fleet Capabilities with Otto Phantom 3500 Order

Otto Aerospace made aviation history this week, announcing a landmark deal with Flexjet for 300 of its next-generation Phantom 3500 business jets. The purchase agreement, revealed at UP.Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas, represents one of the largest firm orders ever placed in business aviation. With first flight slated for 2027 and deliveries beginning in 2030, the Phantom 3500 is set to become the centerpiece of Flexjet’s growing fleet.

The Phantom 3500 is no ordinary jet. Built around breakthrough laminar-flow aerodynamics and an all-carbon-fiber design, it promises to cut fuel burn by more than 60% while delivering long-range performance, speed and comfort. Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci called the aircraft “a bold step into a future where efficiency and sustainability stand alongside speed, comfort and range as defining standards,” underscoring Flexjet’s reputation as a forward-looking leader in private aviation.

Flexjet’s 30-year track record of innovation makes it a natural fit as the Phantom 3500’s launch customer. Beyond the aircraft order, Flexjet’s in-house maintenance organization will also become an Otto-authorized service center, ensuring seamless support for the new fleet. For clients, the aircraft’s arrival means an even more refined travel experience—complete with sustainable operations, private terminals and access to Flexjet’s curated world of exclusive destinations and events.

“Flexjet’s decision to anchor its fleet around the Phantom 3500 speaks volumes about where aviation is headed,” said Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw. “This historic order marks a turning point, ushering in a new era of sustainable, efficient and luxurious private air travel.” For both Otto Aerospace and Flexjet, the deal signals not just a new aircraft but a bold redefinition of what the future of business aviation can be.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ An Oregon family is suing for $15 million after a Piper Seminole on a training flight crashed into their home, killing both the student pilot and instructor. The Ferris family lost their house and has since been forced to relocate multiple times. Attorneys allege negligence by Hillsboro Aero Academy and Ascend Pilot Academy, citing inexperience and poor supervision during a risky maneuver.

🛩️ Ryan Air, a family-owned cargo carrier serving more than 70 Alaskan villages, is investing in Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia aircraft. The Alia CTOL can carry up to 1,250 pounds of cargo or five passengers while operating with less noise and fewer emissions than conventional aircraft. Ryan Air plans to use it for food, medical and other essential deliveries to remote communities accessible only by air, supported by a network of new charging stations.

🛩️ The FAA will furlough more than 11,000 employees, about a quarter of its workforce, as the government shutdown takes effect. Air traffic controllers and TSA officers will continue working without pay, raising concerns about travel delays and staffing strain. Unlike past shutdowns, the FAA says hiring and training will continue while the NTSB will retain enough staff to investigate accidents.

🛩️ Gulfstream has unveiled the long-anticipated G300, a $28.9 million super-midsize jet revealed during a customer event in Savannah. Based on the G280, the G300 features larger panoramic windows, Honeywell Epic 2 “Harmony” touchscreen avionics and a sleek two-zone cabin for up to 10 passengers. With a 3,600-nm range and a 45,000-foot ceiling, it combines performance with Gulfstream’s signature comfort.

🛩️ Texas-based startup Aerolane is shaking up air freight with its innovative “sky-train” concept, where conventional aircraft tow autonomous cargo gliders. At a recent demo in Fort Worth, the company showed how its Aerocart system could cut fuel use and turn multi-day deliveries into same-day shipments. Calling it “the biggest change to aviation since the jet engine,” Aerolane is now pursuing certification and says it has already partnered with a major regional carrier.

PilotTube

This eight-minute video turns the maze of airspace into something clear, simple and surprisingly fun. With sharp visuals and real-world examples, it explains Classes A through G in a way that actually sticks. It’s the perfect watch for anyone looking to feel more confident navigating the sky.

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