United has put in the order with Colorado-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic with the option for a further 35 of its new ‘Overture’ aircraft.
It is the first US carrier to sign a commercial agreement with Boom Supersonic for aircraft which will halve current flight times and will be able to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel making them carbon net zero from day one.
Boom Supersonic is scheduled to “roll out” its first supersonic aircraft in 2025 with the first test flights planned for 2026 and passenger services starting by 2029.
The aircraft will have space for between 65 and 88 passengers with a cruising altitude of 60,000 feet and travel at Mach 1.7.
United’s chief executive Scott Kirby said: “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 travellers access to a stellar flight experience.”
Supersonic air travel has disappeared from the aviation market since the retirement of Concorde in 2003, which was caused by low passenger numbers and rising maintenance costs. The aircraft’s reputation was also badly affected by the fatal crash of an Air France Concorde in Paris in 2000.
Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic’s founder and chief executive, added: “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."
