Gallery: United Airlines goes Boom with supersonic aircraft order

published 4 June 2021

Supersonic speeds are set to return to commercial aviation by the end of the decade. United Airlines has announced a deal with aerospace company Boom Supersonic which will see the carrier purchase 15 “Overture” aircraft, with the option for an additional 35.

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100% sustainable fuel

The Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one and is optimised to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The roll-out is slated for 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029, United said.

Speeds of Mach 1.7

United is aiming to “revive the Concorde spirit” with its supersonic order, The Guardian reports. The Overture will be capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 (1,300mph) - twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners.

Quick hop over the pond

With its supersonic speeds the transatlantic journey between New York/Newark and London will potentially be cut to three-and-a-half hours. Newark to Frankfurt would take four hours and the flight between San Francisco and Tokyo would be just six hours.

Cruising at 60,000ft

The Overture will have a passenger capacity of between 65 and 88, have a cruising altitude of 60,000ft and a range of 4,250 nautical miles (4,888 miles).

Hi-tech experience

According to Boom Supersonic the Overture onboard experience is designed for “comfort, productivity and privacy”. It will feature in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology.