Industry United Airlines signs agreement to buy 15 Boom Supersonic jets

Denver-based company Boom Supersonic has gained a new customer for its ambitions “Overture” program. United Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 15 of the supersonic jets. The carrier also holds options to buy 35 additional aircraft.

Requirements for the transaction to be confirmed however are safety, operating and sustainability requirement, which have to be met before delivery. The Overture aircraft has been designed to operate 100% on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) right from launch.

Boom Supersonic plans to roll out the first aircraft in 2025, with the first flight currently planned in 2026. By 2029, the company wants to deliver aircraft to customers for passenger transport. This time plan however is subject to many variables.

United CEO, Scott Kirby, commented on the order: "United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today's advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes. 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."

The signed purchase agreement also sees Boom and United Airlines working together to accelerate the production of greater supplies of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The carrier has been a leading airline in bringing the industry switch to alternative aviation fuel forward.

Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO, added: "The world's first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world […] 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."

Overture will be capable of flying at speed of mach 1.7, which is twice the speed normal airlines fly nowadays. This means, that more than 500 destinations can be connected in nearly half the time.