Otto Aviation aims to beat carbon neutrality goal by 20 years

Otto Aviation, a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, held a press briefing at the 2025 Paris Air Show where CEO Paul Touw announced the company would achieve net-zero carbon emissions with its Phantom 3500 aircraft when it enters service around 2030 – two decades ahead of the aviation industry’s net-zero carbon goal.

The aviation industry has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal, adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and supported by organizations including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aims to mitigate the industry's impact on climate change by balancing CO₂ emissions with equivalent amounts sequestered or offset.

With an AI-supported clean sheet design, transonic super-laminar flow architecture, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 is a lightweight, ultra-low-drag aircraft that burns 60% less fuel than similar-sized jets and reduces emissions by 90% when combined with sustainable aviation fuel.

Otto Aviation has selected the FJ44-4 QPM turbofan engine from Williams International as the powerplant for its Phantom 3500 aircraft. The QPM (Quiet Power Mode) variant integrates auxiliary power unit (APU) functionality, allowing for independent ground operations and streamlined support infrastructure.

“Williams International is proud to partner with Otto Aviation on this groundbreaking program,” said John Sordyl, EVP of Customer Experience at Williams International. “The FJ44-4 QPM was designed to meet the next generation of aviation requirements, and the Phantom 3500 is an ideal platform to showcase its capabilities.”

Otto Aviation is choosing the Garmin G700 TXi flight display to equip its initial Phantom 3500 flight test vehicle,

“The Phantom 3500 is the result of relentless innovation and bold thinking,” Touw said during his remarks. “By achieving carbon neutrality 20 years ahead of the 2050 target, we’re not just meeting expectations – Otto is redefining what’s possible in aviation. It’s a transformative step toward a future where cutting-edge technology and sustainability go hand in hand.”

On the inside, the Phantom 3500 provides space for nine passengers and has a cabin height of 6.5ft. In place of traditional porthole-style windows along the fuselage, the Phantom 3500 includes high-definition digital displays called Super Natural Vision, which provides passengers with views of the sky and scenery while also enjoying increased efficiency thanks to the streamlined design.

Otto Aviation plans to manufacture the Phantom 3500 at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, according to an announcement made a day earlier at the Paris Air Show by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The company will invest approximately $430 million and move its headquarters to the city. Otto’s plan is to establish initial operations in an available hangar, then build a new plant to manufacture the Phantom 3500 on land at the airfield. The company plans to begin flight tests by early 2027 and aims to achieve certification and enter service in 2030.

AIT named tooling and automation production system supplier

Also at the Paris Air Show, Otto Aviation announced the selection of Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) as the primary tooling and automation production system supplier for the Phantom 3500 aircraft program. This strategic collaboration marks a key production milestone as Otto Aviation advances toward credible rate-ready manufacturing for its high-efficiency aircraft.

Recognized globally for its expertise in complex aerospace production systems, AIT was chosen for its innovative solutions, precision engineering capabilities, and proven ability to deliver scalable, automated manufacturing systems that align with Otto Aviation’s rigorous build philosophy.

“AIT’s systems and expertise give us the precision, reliability and scalability we need to bring the Phantom 3500 to life,” said Steven Afalla, Otto Aviation’s director of manufacturing. “Their world-class tooling and automation solutions will help ensure we create repeatable, high-quality production systems as we transition from development to production ramp-up.”

AIT will provide a full suite of tooling solutions, including:

• Automated assembly and joining systems: Enabling precise, repeatable joining of critical aircraft structures.
• Advanced positioning and metrology tools: Supporting tight tolerance requirements for laminar flow-critical assemblies.
• Flexible automation cells: Designed for scalability, allowing adaptation across future Phantom 3500 variants and production rate increases.
• Turnkey integration support: Ensuring seamless installation, commissioning and optimization of tooling systems within Otto Aviation’s production environment.

“On behalf of the entire AIT team, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Otto Aviation for selecting AIT as the primary tooling and automation production system supplier,” said Ed Chalupa, AIT’s CEO. “We are proud and honored to support Otto and its innovative and exciting Phantom 3500 program. We look forward to a strong and successful strategic partnership.”

With AIT’s tooling and automation systems, Otto Aviation gains a critical enabler for meeting its manufacturing objectives: rapid assembly cycles, minimal rework, and robust quality assurance. The modularity and scalability of AIT’s solutions also support long-term program growth, accommodating design evolutions, production ramp-ups, and future aircraft developments.

Phantom 3500 specifications

• Mean take off weight: 19,000 lb
• Basic empty weight: 11,700 lb
• Dimensions: 64ft W x 58.3ft L x 17.7ft H
• Cabin volume: 800 cu. ft
• Cabin height: 6ft 5”
• Cabin length: 23ft
• Cabin width: 7ft 6”
• Max passengers: 9
• Max speed: 600+ mph
• Max range: 3,500nm
• NBAA 4 PAX range: 3,200nm
• Cruise altitude: 51,000ft
• Balance field landing: < 3,500ft

Touw, an entrepreneur, engineer, and private pilot with years of aerospace experience, previously founded and led XOJET, a private aviation company, and co-founded Ariba, a supply chain technology firm now part of the SAP portfolio.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Otto is developing the Phantom 3500 as a clean-sheet design aircraft for highly efficient, affordable, and sustainable business jet aviation.