United Airlines Orders 50 Boom Overture Supersonic Jets

The Image Above: Conceptual render of the Boom Overture in United Airlines colors. Photo Credit: United Airlines.

Big news for Boom Supersonic yesterday as United Airlines signs a deal for 50 Overture aircraft, 15 of which being firm and 35 being additional options.

The aircraft is due to join the United fleet no earlier than 2029, with roll-out expected in 2025, and first flights in 2026. 

Commenting on the news was United's CEO Scott Kirby:

“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.”

Also commenting on the news was Boom's founder Blake Scholl:

“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 a life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations.”

It is also understood that the aircraft will run 100% on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) as part of plans set out by both companies to be net-zero carbon from day one.

On top of this, flight times will be shortened dramatically with a flight from Newark to London for example could be operated within three and a half hours.

A flight from San Francisco to Tokyo could be cut down to six hours, from the conventional 12. 

With the aircraft expected to have a list price of $200 million per unit, it means that this deal with United is valued at around $10 billion.

The aircraft is expected to seat 65-88 passengers in an all-business class configuration and will be able to cruise at altitudes of 60,000 feet at Mach 1.7.