United Airlines signed an agreement with Boom Supersonic to purchase 15 Overture airliners, with an option for 35 more aircraft “once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements.” It is the first US airline to do so.
The Boom Overture will be able to reach a speed of Mach 1.7 (about 2,100 kilometers per hour) and carry 65 to 88 passengers. That speed would allow going from New York to London in three hours and 30 minutes, against six hours and 30 minutes today. The aircraft, scheduled to start operating from 2029, is projected to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today’s advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes,” commented Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines. “Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience.”
“The world’s first order of net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.
The one-third scale technology demonstrator for Overture supersonic airliner, XB-1, rolled out on October 7, 2020. The maiden flight is expected in 2021.
