When I read United Airlines’ press release this morning, I had to double check the date just to make sure it wasn’t April 1. The news? United Airlines just ordered 50 supersonic jets! This is no joke and travelers should be excited for a few reasons:
- If you missed out flying on the Concorde like I did, then basically here’s your second chance.
- These jets will cut travel time by half. For example, you can travel from New York (EWR) to London in just three and a half hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours.
- These aircraft are going to be net-zero carbon from day one.
That’s the good news. The bad news is they’re not going to be ready to carry passengers until 2029.
Here are the details, minus how many seats and the configuration:
United’s agreement is with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic which the company describes as “a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.”
“Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.”
The jets that are capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 (twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners) will be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology.
To take a closer look, check out this brief video that United posted on Instagram this morning:
View this post on Instagram
I’m excited to see this happen and I’m sure I’m not alone. I have a feeling this story is going to make headlines around the world tonight, that’s how significant it is.
I expected this soon but not this soon. Good for them!! Boom had an unveiling of their test aircraft a couple of months ago. They’ve actually started work on something unlike Aerion who shut down a couple of weeks ago before really even opening their facility in Melbourne, FL.