This kind of exploration, fueled by lofty ambitions, is how innovations happen. Trying to develop planes that can fly from New York to London in four hours or less at net-zero could be a valuable exercise in itself. The upside is that companies like Boom will have to work harder than the incumbents to address environmental issues. Supersonic jets could be a reality in the near future, but there is still reason to question their environmental impact. United has said that if Overture meets its safety, operating and sustainability requirements, it will order 35 additional aircraft. It formed a partnership with Rolls Royce last year to develop the engines. Boom has been quick to assert a commitment to sustainability, and claims that Overture will be a net-zero carbon aircraft, flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The question is, why now? The resurgence is happening at a time when environmental issues are at the fore, and supersonic jets are known for high emissions. The prospect of supersonic aircraft taking flight again is an exciting one. Notably, Boom has a cash commitment in hand, unlike the recently shuttered supersonic aspirant Aerion. This month United Airlines ordered 15 of the firm’s flagship “Overture” airliners, slated to carry passengers in 2029. Among them, most eyes are on Boom Supersonic. Ambitious startups have rushed in to fill the void. It’s been nearly 20 years since the Concorde retired, and its technology is long overdue for an upgrade. Pent-up demand is fueling optimism, but the loudest buzz at the conference was around new technologies – particularly supersonic aircraft development. What I didn’t expect was the optimism! Manufacturers and suppliers have been hard at work in the past year, taking the downtime to start making the aviation industry better, faster, and more environmentally sustainable.
Going into it, I expected to hear a lot about plans and strategies for the post-COVID return to the skies. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending the SpeedNews Commercial Aviation Industry Suppliers Conference in Beverly Hills – in person.
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