United Airlines passengers could soon have the opportunity to go supersonic.
The airline made an agreement with Boom Supersonic to purchase at least 15 “Overture” aircraft that are capable of breaking the sound barrier, the companies announced Thursday.
“Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience. Our mission has always been about connecting people, and now working with Boom, we’ll be able to do that on an even greater scale,” said United CEO Scott Kirby in the announcement.
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This agreement represents one of the first concrete attempts by a commercial airline to use jets of this caliber since 2003, when the Concorde airplane was retired due to safety concerns and impracticalities in fuel consumption, according to Horizon Magazine.
Introducing the United supersonic fleet.@United will purchase up to 50 Overture airliners and fly the fleet on 100% sustainable aviation fuels. https://t.co/zVG2aMCVKx #BoomSupersonic pic.twitter.com/kg9eoFT2Ww
— Boom Supersonic (@boomaero) June 3, 2021
The Overture, capable of reaching a speed of Mach 1.7, can traverse the Atlantic Ocean in about four hours and the Pacific Ocean in about six. Those trips conventionally take about seven and 10 hours, respectively.
The plane can fit between 65 and 88 passengers and fly up to 60,000 feet, according to the announcement.
The companies addressed environmental concerns that arise with supersonic jets.
“Sustainability is a really big issue for aerospace at the moment with lots of companies focused on how they can improve the amount of CO2 that is generated by our products,” said Rolls Royce Strategy Director for Civil Aerospace Simon Carlisle, who is working with Boom to develop the Overture.
The plane will run entirely on sustainable aviation fuel, according to the announcement.
Passengers will enjoy personal video screens and windows along with heated seats when they ride in the cabin, according to Boom’s description of the Overture aircraft.
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The Overture is set to roll out in 2025 and conduct its first flight a year later before passengers can buy tickets for $5,000 in 2029, according to the Verge.
