The rebirth of supersonic travel in commercial aviation

07-02-25

On 29 January 2025, the XB-1, a prototype developed by Boom Supersonic, reached Mach 1.05 at an altitude of 35,000 feet during a test flight in the Mojave Desert, California. This milestone was achieved in the same airspace where, in 1947, the sound barrier was first broken. The XB-1 becomes the first independently developed jet aircraft to break the sound barrier, marking a significant step towards reviving commercial supersonic travel, which has been suspended since Concorde was retired in 2003.

Denver-based Boom Supersonic is at the forefront of this revolution. The company has ambitious plans for its Overture commercial aircraft, designed to carry up to 80 passengers at supersonic speeds. The planes are scheduled to be built in North Carolina and are expected to operate on sustainable jet fuel, underscoring the company's commitment to efficiency and reducing climate-changing emissions.

The XB-1, made of lightweight carbon fibre, incorporates an augmented reality vision system to facilitate landing, an innovation necessitated by its long nose. This design not only improves aerodynamics, but also optimises fuel efficiency, addressing one of the main criticisms levelled at Concorde: its high fuel consumption and consequent emissions.

The market has responded positively to these developments. American Airlines and United Airlines have already signed agreements to purchase Overture aircraft upon completion. According to Boom Supersonic's statement last year, the company has orders and pre-orders totalling 130 aircraft, reflecting renewed confidence in the viability of commercial supersonic travel.

However, the reintroduction of supersonic flight presents inherent challenges. Sonic blasts, which can vibrate structures on the ground, limit the possible routes. Such flights are likely to be restricted to oceanic routes or may have to reduce their speed over land to mitigate the acoustic impact. Concorde faced similar restrictions, operating mainly over the Atlantic and being excluded from many overland routes due to the noise generated.

Concorde, which made its maiden flight in 1969 and was retired in 2003, remains the only supersonic commercial aircraft to have operated to date. Of the 20 units built, 14 were used for passenger transport. Although it represented a significant achievement in aviation, its high fuel consumption and the limitations imposed by sonic booms restricted its widespread adoption.

Boom Supersonic's vision is to overcome these obstacles through technological advances and a focus on sustainability. The development of the Overture seeks not only to reduce travel times, but also to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. The use of advanced materials and sustainable fuels are key components of this strategy.

In addition to Boom, other companies are exploring the revival of supersonic travel. These initiatives seek not only to revive the golden age of fast aviation, but also to set new standards in efficiency and sustainability. Competition in this emerging sector could accelerate innovation and make supersonic travel more accessible to a global audience.

The reintroduction of supersonic flight could also have significant economic implications. Reduced travel times could transform commercial and tourism dynamics, making distant destinations more accessible and fostering greater global interconnectedness. However, it will be crucial to balance these benefits with environmental and regulatory considerations to ensure a sustainable and socially acceptable implementation.

The recent success of Boom Supersonic's XB-1 signals a potential renaissance of supersonic travel in commercial aviation. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, and backed by interest from major airlines, the future of faster-than-sound flight looks promising. However, it will be essential to address technical, environmental and regulatory challenges to ensure that this new era of aviation benefits everyone in a balanced and responsible manner.