Jun 3, 2021, 9:25 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United Adding Supersonic Speeds with New Agreement to Buy Aircraft from Boom Supersonic
First U.S. airline to sign commercial agreement with Boom Supersonic
New aircraft will cut travel times in half and operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel
Photos(2)
CHICAGO and DENVER, June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.
Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom's 'Overture' airliners, once Overture meets United's demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.
"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," United CEO Scott Kirby said. "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."
Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today's fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours. Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology. Working with Boom is another component of United's strategy to invest in innovative technologies that will build a more sustainable future of air travel.
"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," said Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO. "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."
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL."
About Boom Supersonic
Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom's historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will be the first commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at twice the speed of today's fastest passenger jets. Overture's order book, including purchases and options, stands at 70 aircraft, and Boom is working with the United States Air Force for government applications of Overture. XB-1, a demonstrator aircraft, rolled out in 2020, and its net-zero carbon flight test program is underway. The company is backed by world-class investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Prime Movers Lab, Emerson Collective and American Express Ventures. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.
Connect with Boom Supersonic on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Medium.
First U.S. airline to sign commercial agreement with Boom Supersonic
New aircraft will cut travel times in half and operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel
Photos(2)
CHICAGO and DENVER, June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.
Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom's 'Overture' airliners, once Overture meets United's demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.
"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," United CEO Scott Kirby said. "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."
Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today's fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours. Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology. Working with Boom is another component of United's strategy to invest in innovative technologies that will build a more sustainable future of air travel.
"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," said Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO. "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."
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL."
About Boom Supersonic
Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom's historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will be the first commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at twice the speed of today's fastest passenger jets. Overture's order book, including purchases and options, stands at 70 aircraft, and Boom is working with the United States Air Force for government applications of Overture. XB-1, a demonstrator aircraft, rolled out in 2020, and its net-zero carbon flight test program is underway. The company is backed by world-class investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Prime Movers Lab, Emerson Collective and American Express Ventures. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.
Connect with Boom Supersonic on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Medium.
UA to sign commercial agreement with Boom Supersonic
Jun 4, 2021, 7:13 am
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,474
Interesting insight. Come to think of it, NRT-SFO will have the same time zone issue. Westbound SFO-NRT can work but few want to fly red eye in a narrow Boom eastbound from NRT. You can depart NRT early in the morning but you get into SFO at bed time. That doesn't really gain you anything.
Jun 4, 2021, 7:40 am
#183
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: TPA for now. Hopefully LIS for retirement
Posts: 13,678
Surprisingly, nobody seems to have mentioned that SST will not change (1) the time it takes to get to the airport; (2) time to clear security etc.; (3) waiting time, as you have to get there at least an hour in advance; (4) time to clear immigration at your destination; (5) time to get from the airport to your ultimate destination. That's the real time swamp. SST travel will only mean that all the foregoing will now definitively exceed the actual air time.
Plane is a zen place for me. The amount of time it takes after take off to start food service, the actual food service, eating the food, waiting for rubbish collection, watching a movie (or two), waiting for lav to open up, catching some sleep - cannot be accomplished in 3.5 hours. I will take the slower option (if this even becomes reality).
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 4, 2021 at 9:13 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Jun 4, 2021, 8:01 am
#184
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 397
I'm not a pilot so no, I've not flown one. Or flown in one either!.
No but I do have an opinion based on seeing film of the Boeing 777 crash at SFO a few years ago.
That plane just about cart- wheeled after impact and it held together. The 777 is a tank. I just feel a composite plane wouldn't have held together as well but its obviously just my own thought.
I sincerely hope there is never any future event to compare this type of thing
No but I do have an opinion based on seeing film of the Boeing 777 crash at SFO a few years ago.
That plane just about cart- wheeled after impact and it held together. The 777 is a tank. I just feel a composite plane wouldn't have held together as well but its obviously just my own thought.
I sincerely hope there is never any future event to compare this type of thing
I must have missed United paying back all the taxpayer money they received to keep employees / stay afloat during the pandemic. Glad they can put money down on aircraft that haven’t even been designed yet, but can’t afford to give me a piece of lime in my gin & tonic. United will eventually go bankrupt again and be bailed out again.
Jun 4, 2021, 8:32 am
#185
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: UA GS, AA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 444
I'm 90% sure this is United's publicity stunt.
One of solutions for a wealthy business person anxious to get from London to New York is a business jet out of LCY to LGA. This trip can probably be made in 8h20m from office to office. Without London traffic and check-in hassle. The price is ~$50k for a 6-8 person jet charter.
One of solutions for a wealthy business person anxious to get from London to New York is a business jet out of LCY to LGA. This trip can probably be made in 8h20m from office to office. Without London traffic and check-in hassle. The price is ~$50k for a 6-8 person jet charter.
Jun 4, 2021, 10:43 am
#187
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
I guess single-aisle TATL isn't so bad after all.
Only a few surfaces are subjected to the highest temperatures.
Oh, yeah? What about a spacetime wormhole? Didn't think of that, did'ya? 
Hey!
RNE, a marketing MBA
Hey!
RNE, a marketing MBA
Jun 4, 2021, 1:12 pm
#188
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,103
I'm 90% sure this is United's publicity stunt.
Even if Boom is likely to be certified and manufactured, is there a market?
Let's look at this honestly. Only oceanic crossings make sense, because no country will allow sonic booms over land.
Let's have a look at a classic route LHR-JFK. Boom claims 3h30m instead of 6h30m. This is without taxiing, without getting to airport, without check-in and immigration. More likely time difference from Central London or Canary Wharf to Lower Manhattan is 6h30m vs 10h00m. That's not a huge difference.
And if you take into account potential prices... Boom's wishful thinking says $5k per flight, but even taking into account tech advancement and eco solutions, I believe $10k-$20k is more likely. Or $30k if they go with "all business class" which is one of the ideas. Remember that from last Concorde flight there was +50% inflation, and fuel prices went 150-300% up.
One of solutions for a wealthy business person anxious to get from London to New York is a business jet out of LCY to LGA. This trip can probably be made in 8h20m from office to office. Without London traffic and check-in hassle. The price is ~$50k for a 6-8 person jet charter.
There is no market whatsoever justifying development of supersonic passenger aircraft. Right now. Prove me wrong by throwing some real numbers, not wishful thinking.
Even if Boom is likely to be certified and manufactured, is there a market?
Let's look at this honestly. Only oceanic crossings make sense, because no country will allow sonic booms over land.
Let's have a look at a classic route LHR-JFK. Boom claims 3h30m instead of 6h30m. This is without taxiing, without getting to airport, without check-in and immigration. More likely time difference from Central London or Canary Wharf to Lower Manhattan is 6h30m vs 10h00m. That's not a huge difference.
And if you take into account potential prices... Boom's wishful thinking says $5k per flight, but even taking into account tech advancement and eco solutions, I believe $10k-$20k is more likely. Or $30k if they go with "all business class" which is one of the ideas. Remember that from last Concorde flight there was +50% inflation, and fuel prices went 150-300% up.
One of solutions for a wealthy business person anxious to get from London to New York is a business jet out of LCY to LGA. This trip can probably be made in 8h20m from office to office. Without London traffic and check-in hassle. The price is ~$50k for a 6-8 person jet charter.
There is no market whatsoever justifying development of supersonic passenger aircraft. Right now. Prove me wrong by throwing some real numbers, not wishful thinking.
Jun 4, 2021, 1:55 pm
#189
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: ORD, MCO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 268
Lol I was thinking the same thing but if this were reality, NRT seems like the logical choice given the proximity of HND to Tokyo (from a safety and capacity constrained standpoint). Even ANA A380s to HNL are still leaving from NRT. That said, LHR/EWR/SFO aren't exactly in the middle of nowhere either...
Jun 4, 2021, 2:19 pm
#190
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Join Date: Mar 2002
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There is a valuable market justifying development of supersonic passenger aircraft. Right now. Prove me wrong by throwing some real numbers, not pessimistic thinking.
Jun 4, 2021, 3:18 pm
#191
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Jun 4, 2021, 3:44 pm
#192
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Join Date: May 2012
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Concorde’s luggage area was at the back of the fuselage. Seems like a good location. It really wouldn’t have to be a big area, something similar to what’s on a regional jet.
Jun 4, 2021, 4:10 pm
#193
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Poland
Posts: 87
Boom Overture claims to have range of 4250nmi. Yet, they propose to use it on a route from Sydney to Los Angeles (6550nmi at best) or San Francisco to Tokyo (4460nmi at best).
Airbus and BAE Systems have know-how for supersonic aircraft. Why don't make the move, if there is demand?
Jun 4, 2021, 4:14 pm
#194
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,970
I have followed this thread but do not remember seeing if this was mentioned:
Is this going to be a business class flight only? Will there be coach seats? Seems this is Concorde-style one class only.
Is this going to be a business class flight only? Will there be coach seats? Seems this is Concorde-style one class only.
Jun 4, 2021, 4:18 pm
#195
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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Yes, there will be no economy seats.
