Tag Archives: Travel

Thales air traffic system aims to cut delays, emissions in Singapore

30 Thursday Jul 2026

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Thales says the new system will help reduce flight delays and lower carbon emissions. Photo: Singapore Changi Airport.

SINGAPORE – Thales will develop a new air traffic management system for Singapore that the French aerospace giant said Thursday will help reduce flight delays and lower carbon emissions.

Thales said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded the company a contract for the NexGen Air Traffic Management System, which will replace the country’s existing air traffic management platform.

No financial details were disclosed, but the company said the new system is expected to become operational by 2030.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs. It handled nearly 70 million passengers last year, up 3.4% from 2024, according to airport data.

The Thales project also includes a knowledge transfer program, with CAAS personnel joining the project office in France, as well as other localization projects in Singapore, the company said.

Photo: Thales.

The new system will use Thales’ TopSky–ATC One platform, which the company said provides air traffic controllers with artificial intelligence-enabled tools, streamlined workflows and a new human-machine interface.

It also includes TopSky–Sequencer, an AI-based system designed to optimize aircraft arrivals and departures.

The company added that the system has an open architecture that will allow future upgrades and the integration of third-party technologies.

Thales said the platform also incorporates cybersecurity features that comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and Singapore.

As part of the contract, Thales will also supply two next-generation air traffic control radars. The company said the radars will provide continuous aircraft detection in all weather conditions and will be integrated with the new air traffic management system to improve situational awareness for controllers.

COMAC C919 high-altitude variant completes maiden test flight

29 Wednesday Jul 2026

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The C919 on the tarmac at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: COMAC.

SHANGHAI – A shorter high-altitude variant of China’s COMAC C919 single-aisle airliner completed its maiden test flight Wednesday, the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China said.

The state-owned manufacturer said the flight lasted 1 hour and 59 minutes and completed all scheduled test objectives. The aircraft took off from and landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

“This marks a significant step forward in the C919 series development,” the company said in a statement posted on its website. “Based on the basic model, the C919 high-altitude prototype incorporates targeted design features such as a shorter fuselage and enhanced system functions to meet the requirements of high-altitude operations.”

The first C919 entered commercial service in March 2023, nearly seven years after the aircraft’s maiden flight. The narrowbody jet can accommodate up to 190 passengers.

As of December, COMAC had secured 1,005 orders for the aircraft, along with 120 purchase options.

The C919 is scheduled to begin its first international service next month when Air China launches regular flights between Beijing and the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar.

COMAC models on display at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

COMAC also produces the C909 regional jet, formerly known as the ARJ21, which seats up to 105 passengers.

The aircraft entered commercial service in June 2016. Earlier this month, Air Cambodia ordered 20 C909s.

A business jet variant of the C909 entered service in June with Chinese private jet operator Deer Jet.

COMAC showcased its family of aircraft at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Global aviation groups launch runway safety initiative

28 Tuesday Jul 2026

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The initiative will focus on safety reporting, strengthening teams and sharing best practices. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

GENEVA – Three major aviation industry groups are joining forces to reduce runway incursions through a new global safety initiative.

The program, launched by the International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, focuses on improving safety reporting, strengthening local runway safety teams and expanding the sharing of best practices.

The organizations said Tuesday the effort will improve the collection and sharing of safety data, including incident reports, near misses and observations from frontline personnel, while encouraging closer coordination among airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and regulators.

It also builds on existing global runway safety programs through the use of risk assessments, runway safety checklists and support for local runway safety teams.

A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle or person is incorrectly present on a runway or its protected area. Although relatively uncommon, incursions can have serious consequences, and several recent incidents have been fatal, according to IATA.

Image: IATA

Nick Careen, the association’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security, said the initiative is intended to help aviation stakeholders identify runway risks earlier and take coordinated action to maintain aviation’s strong safety record.

“Flying is the safest form of long-distance travel,” Careen said. “Maintaining that record requires a relentless focus on continuous improvement, supported by global standards, safety data and collaboration.”

IATA names first woman leader

26 Sunday Jul 2026

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GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association has named Saadia Zahidi the next director general, making her the first woman to lead the global airline industry’s trade organization in its more than 80-year history.

Zahidi, a managing director and member of the board at the World Economic Forum, will become IATA’s ninth leader Nov. 1, the organization announced last week.

She succeeds Willie Walsh, who will step down July 31 after leading IATA through the airline industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Walsh has been appointed chief executive of India’s largest airline, IndiGo.

Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s chief financial officer and senior vice president for corporate services, will serve as interim director general until Zahidi takes office, the group said.

Zahidi said she was honored to lead IATA at what she described as a critical moment for aviation.

“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” Zahidi said. “In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services and advocacy has never been more important.”

A veteran of more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, Zahidi founded and leads the Center for the New Economy and Society. She also helped develop several flagship reports, including the Future of Jobs Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.

Her appointment marks a milestone for IATA as the association prepares to navigate technological change, sustainability challenges and shifting global economic conditions.

Zahidi studied economics at Smith College, the Graduate Institute and Harvard University. She holds Swiss and Pakistani nationalities.

IATA represents more than 370 airlines that account for about 85% of scheduled air traffic.

Images are courtesy of IATA.

Eve, FDOT explore integrating advanced air mobility into Florida’s transportation system

25 Saturday Jul 2026

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The Eve 100 at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

FARNBOROUGH, London – Eve Air Mobility is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to support research and testing for advanced air mobility at the department’s SunTrax Air hub in Auburndale.

The initiative, announced during the Farnborough International Airshow, will combine Eve’s expertise in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, operations and services with SunTrax Air’s capabilities, the company said Wednesday.

The effort will examine the infrastructure, operational procedures and airspace navigation needed to integrate advanced air mobility into Florida’s transportation system.

Eve and FDOT will use the site to study infrastructure readiness, operational concepts, passenger experience and other requirements associated with introducing eVTOL aircraft into the transportation network.

The research is intended to support the safe integration of advanced air mobility in Florida and inform future planning.

“This partnership is another step of forward progress being made in Florida toward achieving the implementation of advanced air mobility,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said in a statement. “The unique resources and infrastructure found only at SunTrax will play a key role in Eve’s research and testing needed to ensure the safe integration of advanced air mobility into our transportation system.”

Photo: Abdul Latheef.

The announcement expands an existing relationship between Eve and FDOT.

The Embraer-backed company said the partners will work to position Florida as a national leader in advanced air mobility.

Earlier in the week, Eve announced two milestones in the certification process for its Eve 100 eVTOL aircraft.

The company said Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency opened a sectoral consultation process on updated airworthiness criteria for the aircraft, while Eve applied to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to begin its type certificate validation process.

Saudi helicopter operator chooses Bombardier jets for expansion into business aviation

21 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Logo: THC.

FARNBOROUGH, England – The Helicopter Company, a Saudi Arabian commercial helicopter operator, signed a letter of intent Tuesday with Bombardier for the planned purchase of up to 60 business jets as it expands into fixed-wing aviation.

The nonbinding agreement calls for a proposed firm order of 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500 jets, five Global 5500 jets and two Global 8000 jets.

It also includes options to purchase up to 48 additional aircraft across the three models.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs through July 24.

The Helicopter Company, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and was founded in 2018, said it plans to use the aircraft to launch business jet charter and aircraft management services.

The Bombardier Global 8000. Photo: Bombardier.

The planned fleet will serve customers in Saudi Arabia and across the region, it added.

Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed. The companies said the LOC is subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreements.

Airbus showcases specially configured jets

20 Monday Jul 2026

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FARNBOROUGH, England – Airbus is showcasing two specially configured long-range aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow: an Emirates A350-900 and a United Airlines A321XLR.

Photo: United Airlines

Both aircraft highlight new cabin features. The United jet includes a row of Economy Plus seats with additional elbow room and access to a shared table positioned across an open middle seat.

United said this month it expects to offer the new seating option across its entire order of 50 A321XLRs. The airline is also exploring similar seating concepts for other aircraft types in the future.

The Emirates A350 features spacious Economy Class seating, Premium Economy cabins and upgraded Business Class seats.

Photo: Abdul Latheef

Its Economy Class cabin includes adjustable headrests that Emirates describes as an industry first. The U-Dream headrest folds down to provide support for passengers’ heads and necks on both sides and can be adjusted in multiple positions for comfort.

Emirates currently operates 13 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline will receive another 60 by 2031.

Farnborough Airshow takes off with big aircraft orders from SMBC

20 Monday Jul 2026

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An A320neo model marking 25 years of partnership between Airbus and SMBC Aviation Capital. Photo: Airbus

FARNBOROUGH, England – SMBC Aviation Capital emerged as the biggest customer on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, placing orders for a combined 200 single-aisle aircraft split evenly between Airbus and Boeing, as Riyadh Air and Philippine Airlines also announced fleet expansion plans.

The Dublin-based lessor ordered 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, comprising 65 A321s and 35 A320s, while separately committing to acquire 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 60 737-10s and 40 737-8s.

Elsewhere, Riyadh Air expanded orders with both manufacturers, adding 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and six Airbus A350-1000s, while Philippine Airlines committed to acquire up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

SMBC said its Airbus order will provide airline customers with a continuous pipeline of A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s, reflecting confidence in long-term demand for the type and strengthening its 25-year partnership with Airbus.

“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” Chief Executive Peter Barrett said.

“We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family.”

SMBC is already among Airbus’ largest A320 family customers and, together with its parent company Sumitomo Corp., now accounts for more than 900 direct Airbus aircraft commitments across all Airbus programs.

Photo: Boeing

The Boeing order marks SMBC’s first purchase of the 737-10, the largest member of the MAX family, and increases its owned, managed and committed 737 MAX portfolio to 450 aircraft.

The lessor said the aircraft will help meet growing airline demand for larger, more fuel-efficient narrowbody jets.

Separately, Riyadh Air exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including converting 20 aircraft to the larger 787-10 variant and incorporating a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 aircraft.

Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, the Saudi carrier’s firm Dreamliner order book will total 67 aircraft.

The airline also firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000s, increasing its firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft as it pursues plans to serve more than 100 international destinations by 2030.

Photo: Boeing

Boeing also announced that Philippine Airlines committed to order up to 20 787 Dreamliners. The proposed agreement covers 15 787-10 aircraft, with options for five more, supporting the flag carrier’s fleet modernization and long-haul expansion strategy.

No financial details were disclosed for any of the agreements.

eVTOL momentum builds at Farnborough as Eve announces major deals

19 Sunday Jul 2026

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Eve aircraft in Moov Airways livery. Photo: Eve Air Mobility

FARNBOROUGH, England – Ahead of the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday, Eve Air Mobility announced commercial agreements covering up to 46 eVTOLs and highlighted a key regulatory milestone in the certification of its Eve 100 aircraft.

The Embraer-backed company said Sunday it had signed separate letters of intent with Swiss startup Moov Airways and aviation finance firm Shearwater Global Capital, expanding its commercial pipeline and plans for future operations.

Moov Airways signed a letter of intent for up to 30 Eve 100 eVTOLs to support development of its planned “Atlantic Gateway” network in Cabo Verde. The companies will evaluate the use of eVTOLs for inter-island transportation, airport-to-resort transfers and sightseeing services connecting São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Praia and Boa Vista.

Shearwater Global Capital signed a letter of intent for up to 16 Eve 100 eVTOLs as it expands its aviation finance platform into emerging asset classes. Eve said the partnership will offer leasing solutions designed to reduce barriers to entry for operators and support faster fleet deployment.

The announcements come as Eve advances the certification of its aircraft. Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has published proposed noise certification criteria for the Eve 100, opening a public consultation through Aug. 8.

Eve said the proposal represents an important step toward establishing the environmental certification framework for eVTOL aircraft and advances the company’s type certification program. The proposed standards were developed through collaboration with ANAC and adapt existing aviation noise regulations to the operational and acoustic characteristics of electric aircraft.

Photo: Eve Air Mobility

The company said it continues to work with regulators and industry stakeholders on internationally harmonized certification standards for advanced air mobility as it moves toward commercial service.

The announcements come as the eVTOL sector moves closer to commercial operations, with manufacturers including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace advancing aircraft development, certification programs and early market strategies.

The industry is working with aviation regulators worldwide to establish the standards and infrastructure needed to support the introduction of electric aircraft into commercial service.

More eVTOL sales agreements are expected at the five-day FIA2026.

Boeing: Global commercial aircraft fleet will exceed 50,000 by 2045

17 Friday Jul 2026

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An image from the 2021 Dubai Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef

FARNBOROUGH, England – Boeing projects the global commercial fleet will exceed 50,000 airplanes by 2045 as passenger traffic doubles over the next 20 years, according to the company’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook released late Thursday ahead of next week’s opening of the Farnborough International Airshow.

Boeing projects airlines will take delivery of nearly 44,000 new airplanes through 2045 to support fleet growth and replace older aircraft. About half of those deliveries are expected to replace previous-generation airplanes with more fuel-efficient models.

The company projects the global commercial aviation support and services market will total $4.9 trillion over the next 20 years.

Boeing also expects the industry will need more than 2.4 million new aviation personnel through 2045, including 674,000 pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians and 1.02 million cabin crew members. It said about two-thirds of that workforce demand will replace retiring employees, while the remainder will support fleet growth.

The company said near-term disruptions are not expected to alter long-term aviation growth, with passenger traffic projected to increase about 4% annually between 2026 and 2045. Boeing said demand will be supported by tourism, business travel, expanding air networks and growth in emerging markets.

The projected airplane deliveries include about 33,500 single-aisle jets, 7,700 widebody aircraft, 1,400 regional airplanes and 930 freighters. Boeing said single-aisle fleets are expected to account for much of the growth, with the global fleet nearly doubling by 2045.

Boeing said airlines have added nearly 5,500 airport connections since 2015, contributing to network expansion and increased point-to-point travel. The company also said air cargo demand is expected to grow about 3.7% annually through 2045, supported by demand for time-sensitive goods, supply chain needs and cross-border commerce.

The five-day Farnborough International Airshow opens Monday. Boeing and other aircraft manufactures will showcase their products at the event.

Emirates completes retrofit of 100 widebody jets

14 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Graphic: Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Emirates has completed the refurbishment of its 100th widebody aircraft as part of a fleet retrofit program backed by a US$5 billion investment, the UAE national carrier said Tuesday.

Since the program began in November 2022, Emirates has refurbished 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s at its engineering facilities in Dubai. The airline expects to upgrade about 20 more aircraft by the end of 2026.

Over 44 months, more than 400 engineers and technicians spent a combined 4.4 million work hours refurbishing the aircraft.

The upgrades include refreshed cabin interiors and the installation of more than 3,800 Premium Economy seats, expanding the availability of the cabin class on additional routes across its network.

Business Class in the newly retrofitted A380 aircraft. Emirates Photo.

“Completing full cabin retrofits for 100 widebody aircraft in 44 months is a significant achievement,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.

The retrofit work has been carried out at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai.

In May, the airline completed its first retrofit of a two-class to three-class Airbus A380, adding a Premium Economy cabin to the aircraft’s upper deck.

Beginning in October, Emirates plans to install new 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback screens and Safran Z400 seats as the retrofit program enters its next phase.

Embraer unveils Phenom 300EV

14 Tuesday Jul 2026

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MELBOURNE, Fla. – Embraer on Tuesday unveiled the Phenom 300EV, the latest version of its Phenom 300 light executive jet, ahead of next week’s opening of the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer expects deliveries to begin in 2028.

The airplane is equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland, which can automatically land the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Embraer said the Phenom 300EV is the largest business jet equipped with the system.

The new jet has a maximum range of 2,055 nautical miles (3,806 kilometers) and 430 pounds of additional payload capacity over the previous model.

Cabin updates feature low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity through Gogo Galileo, with Starlink connectivity planned as an aftermarket option.

Embraer said the Phenom 300EV will be supported through its global service network.

The Phenom 300 series has been the world’s best-selling light jet for 14 consecutive years, according to the company.

The Phantom 300EV is not expected at the Farnborough Airshow, opening July 24.

Embraer will, however, showcase the E195-E2, the largest member of its E2 narrow-body family, and the KC-390 Millennium tactical transport and multi-mission aircraft at the five-day event.

Images are courtesy of Embraer.

Thales to modernize Mongolia’s air traffic management infrastructure

13 Monday Jul 2026

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PARIS – Thales has won a contract to modernize Mongolia’s air traffic management infrastructure, the French aerospace giant announced Monday.

Under the deal with the National Civil Aviation Center of Mongolia, Thales will deploy a next-generation dual Area Control Center architecture, upgrading the existing ACC in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and establishing a new ACC in the Gobi desert town of Sainshand.

The company said the project will significantly enhance operational resilience, airspace capacity and cybersecurity of critical infrastructure.

While no financial details were disclosed, Thales said the project is backed by a “flexible financing solution” established between Bpi France and the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia.

The agreement also includes skills transfer, with Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile sending instructors to train Mongolian air traffic controllers.

“This agreement represents a major milestone for Mongolia’s aviation sector and stands as a strong example of strategic international cooperation delivering tangible and lasting impact,” Thales said.

Mongolia, a landlocked nation of just 3.5 million people, has been investing heavily in its aviation sector to support its goal of becoming a major tourism hub.

A leader in aerospace, defense and cybersecurity sectors, Paris-based Thales employs more than 85,000 people in 65 countries. It reported sales of €22.1 billion ($25.2 billion) last year.

The country has three airlines — MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia.

The aviation sector employs some 7,000 people, generating direct economic benefit worth just under US$500 million annually, or roughly 2.5% of the national GDP.

Images are courtesy of Thales.

Airbus, MTU plan hydrogen fuel cell engine to cut emissions

07 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine. © MTU 2026

TOULOUSE, France – Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have formed a joint venture to develop and commercialize a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, the European aircraft manufacturer announced Tuesday, as the industry seeks to reduce its carbon emissions.

The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding the parties signed at the Paris Air Show last year, Airbus added.

The company has been pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to reduce aviation emissions through more fuel-efficient aircraft, greater use of sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen propulsion, advanced aerodynamics and improved operational efficiency.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine mounted on an aircraft. ©MTU 2026

Commercial aviation generates about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, but its overall contribution to climate change is estimated at 3.5% to 4% when non-CO₂ effects such as contrails are taken into account.

The figures are based on a 2021 study published in Atmospheric Environment and cited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“By establishing a dedicated and highly agile organizational set-up, the partners aim to accelerate technology development, design, testing and certification of a revolutionary propulsion system for aviation based on a hydrogen fuel cell,” Airbus said. “The new entity will be supported by Airbus and MTU with all their competences and through various engineering and manufacturing teams from both organizations.”

The joint venture is expected to start operations next year, although the deal is non-binding and subject to regulatory approvals, Airbus said.

Stefan Weber, senior vice president of engineering and technology at MTU, described the initiative as a key step toward developing the company’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft engine.

He said the project demonstrates Europe’s technological leadership in hydrogen propulsion and supports MTU’s ambition to establish a business spanning the entire fuel cell powertrain life cycle, from development and testing to certification and commercial deployment.

Airbus projects include this fuel cell-powered ZEROe aircraft. © Airbus 2026

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a by-product. The technology could eliminate inflight CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Early last year, Airbus said it would focus its hydrogen research on a fully electric fuel cell propulsion system after prototype and powertrain testing validated the technology’s potential.

Industry: Return of supersonic flights now ‘inevitable’

02 Thursday Jul 2026

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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.