The new aircraft that aims to cut journey time between London and New York in half
The Boom Supersonic Overture represents the most promising effort to revive commercial supersonic travel, with the goal of dramatically reducing flight times on high-demand routes like London to New York.
Currently, the journey between these two major cities typically takes around 7 to 8 hours on conventional subsonic aircraft. The Overture aims to halve that duration, cutting the trip to approximately 3.5 hours by cruising at Mach 1.7 (about 1,300 mph or 2,100 km/h). This speed is deliberately slightly slower than the retired Concorde’s Mach 2.0 to reduce takeoff and landing noise, ensuring the aircraft is no louder than today’s subsonic jets and making it more compatible with modern airport regulations.
Designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers in an all-premium cabin, the Overture features large windows, high-quality materials, and advanced in-flight connectivity. It is engineered to operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel, addressing environmental concerns that contributed to Concorde’s retirement in 2003. With a projected range of around 5,000 miles (8,000 km), the aircraft could support more than 600 viable supersonic routes worldwide, far exceeding Concorde’s limitations.
Boom Supersonic has secured significant backing, including orders and pre-orders from major carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines—totaling over 130 aircraft commitments. The company positions Overture fares to align with current business-class pricing, making supersonic travel far more accessible than Concorde’s ultra-luxury model.
Development has progressed steadily. Boom’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft has completed key testing milestones, paving the way for the full-scale Overture. The company has built its Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is advancing the Symphony engine, purpose-built for supersonic performance. Recent announcements include a strategic pivot to develop related natural-gas turbines (branded Superpower) for AI data centers, which generates revenue to accelerate Overture certification and production.
As of early 2026, Boom plans to roll out the first Overture prototype soon, with initial flights targeted for 2027 and entry into passenger service around the end of the decade—potentially 2029 or 2030. While timelines have shifted in the past, the project remains the furthest along among emerging supersonic concepts, outpacing other initiatives like NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research jet or various hypersonic proposals.
If successful, the Overture could usher in a new era of faster global travel, transforming transatlantic journeys from an all-day commitment into a quick hop and making high-speed air travel a realistic option for more passengers.
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