Boom Supersonic targets 2029 for the return of fast transatlantic flights

In recent years, the idea of supersonic passenger air travel has experienced a resurgence, led by Boom Supersonic, a start-up based in Denver, USA. The company is actively designing a new class of supersonic jets, promising to cut transatlantic flight times to about half that of current service offers. The proposed aircraft, capable of cruising at Mach 1.7, has garnered significant interest from major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, which have expressed commitments to future orders. This comes after the decline of the Concorde, which operated until the early 2000s but was ultimately retired due to high operating costs and reduced passenger numbers., The challenges facing Boom Supersonic highlight not only the need for significant financial backing but also the importance of integrating sustainable practices in aviation. Blake Scholl, the founder, emphasizes that there is still demand for faster travel options, even as the aviation industry grapples with environmental concerns. He points out that while some believe flying should be reduced altogether, advancements in technology could lead to faster and greener alternatives., The interest in supersonic travel has not been without obstacles, as demonstrated by the collapse of Aerion Supersonic in 2021 after key funding fell through. The experience calls attention to the hurdles that Boom Supersonic must navigate to successfully launch its Overture aircraft, which is projected to carry about 65 passengers. Priced around £200 million, the Overture is touted as more cost-effective than traditional jets while potentially offering ticket prices significantly lower than what transatlantic flyers historically paid for Concorde., As 2029 approaches, Boom Supersonic is cautiously optimistic about achieving its ambitions despite the uncertainties in the current market. The implications of success could reshape air travel, allowing people to traverse the Atlantic in reduced timeframes, thus enhancing connectivity in an increasingly globalized world. Should these developments succeed, it may signal a transformative shift in passenger aviation, reviving an era of supersonic travel once thought to be lost.