- Boom Supersonic plans to launch the Overture airliner by 2029 to cut transatlantic flight times in half, marking a potential comeback for supersonic commercial flights.
- Supersonic jets face criticism for high fuel consumption, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
- Despite safety improvements in the Overture, industry giants like Airbus focus on sustainability rather than speed.
Two decades after the Concorde’s retirement, supersonic travel is on the brink of a revival. Boom Supersonic, a US aerospace company, plans to launch its Overture airliner by 2029, cutting transatlantic flight times in half. The company aims to reintroduce speed as a key selling point in commercial aviation.
Boom’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, is confident that demand for faster travel will drive Overture’s success. “Everyone’s going to need this aeroplane; it’s only a matter of time,” Scholl said. However, the environmental impact of supersonic flight is a significant concern. NASA scientists have pointed out that supersonic jets consume three to seven times more fuel per passenger mile than subsonic aircraft.
This fuel consumption conflicts with the growing push to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Environmental activists like Greta Thunberg advocate for reduced air travel to combat climate change. Scholl argues that sustainable aviation fuel and the Overture’s speed advantage will make it both desirable and viable.
The Overture will seat 64 to 80 passengers, with round-trip transatlantic tickets expected to cost about $5,000. Scholl believes that travellers prioritise speed over cost, similar to how passengers once chose the Concorde. Despite environmental and economic challenges, Boom has secured 130 orders and preorders from major airlines, including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines.
Boom tested its XB-1 demonstrator earlier this year in California. Although the test plane didn’t break the sound barrier, it successfully tested systems that will be used in the Overture. Scholl remains optimistic about the Overture’s prospects, even as industry giants like Boeing and Airbus have abandoned their supersonic projects.
Mark Bentall, head of research and technology at Airbus, emphasised that sustainability is the priority. “Faster takes more energy and always will do. And it’s not contributing to the sustainability drive,” Bentall said. Airbus focuses on fuel-efficient designs, such as the A350 and the newly certified A321XLR, which have extra fuel capacity for long-haul flights.
Despite this, Boom is undeterred. Scholl stresses the need for faster travel in today’s globalised world. He cites personal experiences, like the difficulty of visiting distant relatives, to highlight the potential benefits of reduced travel times. Addressing safety concerns, Scholl notes that the Overture will incorporate the latest safety systems, making it far safer than the Concorde.
The Concorde’s legacy includes a tragic crash in 2000 that accelerated its retirement. However, Scholl argues that the Concorde had a strong safety record, given its 1960s design. He is confident that Overture’s modern systems will prevent similar incidents.
Boom faces challenges in balancing speed with sustainability. The company’s success will depend on whether it can deliver a supersonic aircraft that meets today’s environmental standards while satisfying the demand for faster travel. The outcome will determine if supersonic flight can make a viable and responsible return to commercial aviation.
Two decades after the Concorde’s retirement, supersonic travel is on the brink of a revival. Boom Supersonic, a US aerospace company, plans to launch its Overture airliner by 2029, cutting transatlantic flight times in half. The company aims to reintroduce speed as a key selling point in commercial aviation.
Boom’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, is confident that demand for faster travel will drive Overture’s success. “Everyone’s going to need this aeroplane; it’s only a matter of time,” Scholl said. However, the environmental impact of supersonic flight is a significant concern. NASA scientists have pointed out that supersonic jets consume three to seven times more fuel per passenger mile than subsonic aircraft.
This fuel consumption conflicts with the growing push to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. Environmental activists like Greta Thunberg advocate for reduced air travel to combat climate change. Scholl argues that sustainable aviation fuel and the Overture’s speed advantage will make it both desirable and viable.
The Overture will seat 64 to 80 passengers, with round-trip transatlantic tickets expected to cost about $5,000. Scholl believes that travellers prioritise speed over cost, similar to how passengers once chose the Concorde. Despite environmental and economic challenges, Boom has secured 130 orders and preorders from major airlines, including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines.
Boom tested its XB-1 demonstrator earlier this year in California. Although the test plane didn’t break the sound barrier, it successfully tested systems that will be used in the Overture. Scholl remains optimistic about the Overture’s prospects, even as industry giants like Boeing and Airbus have abandoned their supersonic projects.
Mark Bentall, head of research and technology at Airbus, emphasised that sustainability is the priority. “Faster takes more energy and always will do. And it’s not contributing to the sustainability drive,” Bentall said. Airbus focuses on fuel-efficient designs, such as the A350 and the newly certified A321XLR, which have extra fuel capacity for long-haul flights.
Despite this, Boom is undeterred. Scholl stresses the need for faster travel in today’s globalised world. He cites personal experiences, like the difficulty of visiting distant relatives, to highlight the potential benefits of reduced travel times. Addressing safety concerns, Scholl notes that the Overture will incorporate the latest safety systems, making it far safer than the Concorde.
The Concorde’s legacy includes a tragic crash in 2000 that accelerated its retirement. However, Scholl argues that the Concorde had a strong safety record, given its 1960s design. He is confident that Overture’s modern systems will prevent similar incidents.
Boom faces challenges in balancing speed with sustainability. The company’s success will depend on whether it can deliver a supersonic aircraft that meets today’s environmental standards while satisfying the demand for faster travel. The outcome will determine if supersonic flight can make a viable and responsible return to commercial aviation.