Tag Archives: Boom Supersonic

Industry: Return of supersonic flights now ‘inevitable’

02 Thursday Jul 2026

Posted by in Aircraft, Aviation, FAA

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Boom Supersonic’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1.

WASHINGTON – The industry is welcoming a Federal Aviation Administration proposal to lift the ban on supersonic civilian flights in the U.S., with one executive declaring that that “the return of supersonic is inevitable” 23 years after the Concorde flew for the last time.

The FAA move was announced this week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

He said advances in supersonic technology will allow the next generation of aircraft to fly safely without producing a sonic boom.

“Restoring supersonic flight over land isn’t just about speed, it’s about unleashing American innovation and ushering in a Golden Age of Travel,” Duffy said.

The FAA noted in its proposal that current regulations prohibit civil aircraft from flying faster than the speed of sound over the U.S. unless they receive special authorization from the agency. The restriction is intended to protect the public from sonic booms.

Supersonic flight begins at Mach 1, or about 770 mph (1,240 km/h), significantly faster than the typical cruising speed of commercial airliners, which ranges from about 550 to 600 mph.

The FAA aims to finalize the rule by the middle of next year.

Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, which is developing a supersonic aircraft called Overture, quickly welcomed the government proposal.

Blake Scholl

“It’s time to get excited. The return of supersonic is inevitable,” Scholl wrote on LinkedIn.

Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1, made history in January 2025 by becoming the first independently developed civil aircraft to successfully break the sound barrier.

Scholl said the FAA had specifically cited the XB-1’s demonstration of the boomless supersonic flight.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029. Boom has won firm orders or options for the aircraft from United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.

Images are courtesy of Boom Supersonic and FAA.

Boom plans ‘supersonic hub’ in North Carolina

29 Saturday Jan 2022

Posted by in Aircraft, Aviation, Supersonic, Travel

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The Overture Superfactory will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Photo: Boom Supersonic.

DENVER – Nearly 20 years after the Concorde made its last commercial flight, efforts to revive supersonic travel are gathering pace.

American startup Boom Supersonic said this week that it has chosen Greensboro, North Carolina, to build its Overture airliners.

The aircraft, with a capacity for up to 88 passengers, will fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets, the company said.

“Selecting the site for Overture manufacturing is a significant step forward in bringing sustainable supersonic air travel to passengers and airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom.

“With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub.”

The Overture Superfactory will be about 400,000 square feet and constructed on a 65-acre campus at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Economists estimate that the factory will grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years, Boom said.

The company will break ground in Greensboro this year, with production slated to begin in 2024.

A conceptual rendering of the United Airlines Overture aircraft. Photo: Boom Supersonic

United Airlines will be the launch customer of the aircraft. In June, it agreed to buy 15 airliners, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft.

Boom will test a “demonstrator” airplane, the XB-1, this year. Both the Overture and the XB-1 will feature advanced, thermally stable carbon composite airframes, which are easier to fabricate and maximize fuel efficiency, the company said.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.