Boom Supersonic, an aerospace startup founded by former Amazon engineer Blake Scholl, is making significant strides toward revitalizing supersonic air travel, aiming to revolutionize global flight by developing its flagship aircraft, Overture. With the ambitious goal of entering service by 2029, the company seeks to drastically cut transatlantic flight times and reintroduce supersonic commercial travel, something that has been missing since the Concorde was retired in 2003. Despite encountering financial challenges and workforce reductions, Boom’s technological advancements, as well as growing airline interest, continue to position the company as a leader in the next generation of air travel.
The XB-1 Demonstrator Achieves Supersonic Flight
Boom Supersonic achieved a significant milestone when its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft successfully broke the sound barrier on its test flight, reaching Mach 1.122 over the Mojave Desert. This success marks the first time in over two decades that a privately developed civil supersonic aircraft has achieved supersonic speed. The XB-1’s test flight is a crucial step toward realizing the vision for Overture, Boom’s supersonic airliner.
The XB-1 demonstrator, which serves as a prototype for Overture, has been designed to validate several key technologies. These include advanced aerodynamics, carbon composite materials, and state-of-the-art propulsion systems that are crucial for achieving both speed and efficiency at supersonic speeds. This successful flight test represents a major leap forward for Boom’s broader mission to redefine the air travel experience.
“Boomless Cruise” Technology
One of the major hurdles for supersonic travel has been the disruptive noise produced by the sonic boom when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier. In response, Boom Supersonic has developed a solution that could reshape the future of supersonic flight—its proprietary “Boomless Cruise” technology. This innovative approach involves flying at specific altitudes and speeds where the sonic boom refracts upward into the atmosphere, preventing it from reaching the ground.
Boom plans to implement Mach cutoff, a strategy that reduces the intensity of the sonic boom by ensuring the aircraft flies at speeds just above Mach 1. By carefully controlling the aircraft’s speed and altitude, Overture can fly faster than current commercial planes while minimizing noise pollution over populated areas. This breakthrough will enable Overture to offer supersonic flights over land, dramatically cutting travel times for long-haul flights without causing disturbances for those on the ground.
Regulatory Progress and U.S. Support for Supersonic Flight
While Boom has made substantial technological progress, the regulatory environment for supersonic flight has been more complicated. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has long prohibited supersonic flights over land due to concerns about noise pollution. However, recent changes in policy suggest that Boom’s ambitions may soon align with government priorities.
In June 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to repeal the ban on overland supersonic flights, marking a significant policy shift. This move opens the door for companies like Boom to operate supersonic flights over U.S. airspace, provided that they meet new noise standards. The executive order also tasked the FAA with modernizing regulations and removing outdated barriers that had previously stymied the development of supersonic commercial aviation.
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, praised this regulatory shift, noting that it would accelerate the adoption of supersonic technologies and lead to faster, more sustainable air travel. This change is expected to help Boom reduce transatlantic flight times by up to 90 minutes, making Overture a more appealing option for travelers seeking quick, luxurious long-haul flights.
Overture Aircraft: A Step Toward Sustainable Supersonic Travel
Boom Supersonic has ambitious plans for its flagship aircraft, Overture. The jet is designed to fly at speeds of Mach 1.7, nearly twice the speed of current commercial jets, which will reduce flight times between major cities. Overture will be capable of carrying 64 to 80 passengers, offering business-class comfort with sustainable amenities to meet modern travel expectations.
In addition to speed and comfort, Overture is designed with sustainability in mind. The aircraft will run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel, aligning with global efforts to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. This makes Overture an eco-friendly alternative to older supersonic aircraft like the Concorde, which was criticized for its high environmental impact.
The company’s dedication to sustainable aviation has also attracted the attention of major airlines. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have all placed substantial pre-orders for Overture, signaling strong interest in supersonic commercial travel. With growing support from industry giants, Boom is on track to meet its goal of having Overture in service by 2029.
Engine Development and Future Prospects
Boom Supersonic has already begun the process of developing the engines that will power Overture. The company is working with renowned aerospace manufacturer Rolls-Royce to create a new propulsion system tailored to supersonic flight. The first engine prototype is expected to undergo testing in the coming months, with full-scale engine development scheduled to proceed in parallel with aircraft construction.
While Boom faces financial pressures, including a reduced valuation and significant layoffs, its continued progress on both the engineering and regulatory fronts suggests that the company has the momentum to bring its vision of supersonic travel to life. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Boom Supersonic remains at the forefront of efforts to make supersonic flight a reality once again.
Conclusion
Boom Supersonic is making major strides in its quest to bring supersonic travel back to the skies. With successful flight tests of the XB-1 demonstrator and promising advancements in noise-reduction technology, the company is one step closer to realizing its vision for Overture, a next-generation supersonic airliner. As regulatory hurdles are cleared and major airlines sign on, Boom is on track to redefine long-haul air travel, offering faster and more sustainable flights for passengers around the world. The future of supersonic aviation may soon be within reach.