Flexjet Commits to Adding 20 Supersonic Jets
Joe Cortez March 30, 2016
Total aircraft order, including custom interiors, valued around $2 billion.
Although supersonic flight may not be available for commercial passengers in the near future, business travelers on private jets could access high-speed travel in the next five years. Private jet operator Flexjet announced they will purchase 20 AS2 supersonic jets from Nevada-based Aerion Corporation. The entire order is valued at over $2 billion.
“Throughout its history, Flexjet has been on the leading edge of aviation technology,” Flexjet chairman Ken Ricci said in a press release. “We are proud to make the next great step in business jet travel and offer what will be the first commercial supersonic flights in a generation.”
According to specifications provided by Aerion, the “Son of Concorde” is capable of reaching a top speed of Mach 1.5, or just over 1,150 miles per hour. In addition, the futuristic jets have a range of 4,750 nautical miles when traveling at supersonic speeds, allowing business travelers to speed directly from New York to Moscow. In real terms, Flexjet claims the additional speed would shave three hours off a transatlantic trip and shorten transpacific routes by six hours or more.
The two companies will work together on the finishing details of the supersonic aircraft, currently in development with support from French manufacturer Airbus. When complete, the aircraft will feature custom interiors that will seat up to 12 passengers. With an anticipated launch date between 2021 and 2023, the private jet operator says the jet will complement their entire fleet of Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft.
The announcement is the latest push to resume supersonic passenger flight over 12 years after the Concorde was retired by Air France and British Airways. Earlier in March, NASA and Lockheed Martin noted they would also work on a supersonic passenger aircraft, with the goal of launching by 2020.
[Photo: Aerion]
