Tag Archives: United Airlines

Airbus showcases specially configured jets

20 Monday Jul 2026

Posted by in Airlines, Aviation

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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.

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.