Up, up, and a ways off.
United Airlines announced a partnership with Denver-based aviation start-up, Boom Supersonic, to order up 15 of their new high-speed jets, called the “Overture.”
Boom has been talking up lots of super-speed flight dreams of late. But this particular Overture is tied to a major airline. The new jet promises to cut flight times in half, setting goals like New York City to London in just 3 ½ hours, San Francisco to Tokyo in 6.
United says the plane will fly at speeds of Mach 1.7, twice the speed of today's fastest airliners. And they claim the jet is eco-friendly, running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.
Boom has listed the Overture’s capacity at 65-88 seats, though United has not announced any suggested capacity. It’s a bet they hope to pack more bodies onto the sleek beauty by the time it arrives.
But hold your horses, or birds. Both companies have stated that the aircraft has yet to be built or gain proper government approval. As it stands, it won’t be introduced until 2025, and won't fly until 2026. The first passengers won't walk on until 2029.
As reported by USA Today, United said it will buy the jets once they "meet United's demand for safety, operating and sustainability requirements'' and that the two companies will work together to meet those requirements. United has an option to order up to 35 more.
Last summer, Boom Supersonic did introduce an actual working test aircraft, the XB-1.
As United CEO Scott Kirby said in a supporting statement. "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."
Boom Supersonic founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, added to the rosey outlook: "United and Boom share a common purpose — to unite the world safely and sustainably. At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations."
Related
All of this sounds expensive, right? The high costs, crash record, and that supersonic boom sound were all instrumental to the demise of that most famous supersonic flameout, the Concorde, which, after three decades of trying, was finally grounded in 2003.
Hence, United -- who recently have focused on the more immediate concern of getting everyone vaccinated -- are not even beginning to get into the financial specifics of the Overture. But United spokesman Rachael Rivas at least offers that the plane is designed to have operating costs that are 75% lower than the Concorde. Which would still make it pretty pricey, especially for an industry that constantly complains of losses. But Boom’s Overture would probably be initially sold to frequent and fancy business and first class fliers.
While our nostalgic ‘70s visions of swiveling, reclining seats and Sinatra having martinis with models on a supersonic jet might still float in our memories, honestly, we’re just looking for more leg room.
And free drinks.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram