New York to London in Just 3 Hours and 30 Minutes: The Return of Supersonic Travel and Its Pricing Prospects

Boom Supersonic aims for affordable and ultra-fast global air travel

After a 20-year hiatus since the Concorde's retirement, the era of supersonic passenger flights is making a remarkable comeback. A U.S.-based aerospace startup, Boom Supersonic, has successfully developed a supersonic passenger aircraft with ambitious goals: reducing travel times worldwide to just four hours round-trip at a target price of approximately $100 (around 140,000 KRW).

Recently, Boom Supersonic made headlines when it announced that its supersonic demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1, broke the sound barrier during its 12th test flight at California's Mojave Air and Space Port on January 28. The aircraft reached Mach 1.122 (about 1,377 km/h) at an altitude of 10,668 meters just 11 minutes and 30 seconds after takeoff, marking the first time a privately developed aircraft has achieved such a milestone.

Supersonic Commercialization Targeted by 2030

Boom Supersonic plans to commercialize its flagship passenger jet, the "Overture," by 2030. This 60-to-80-seat aircraft is expected to fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.7 (about 2,080 km/h), twice as fast as current commercial jets. With this technology, the New York to London route, which typically takes around seven hours, could be completed in just three and a half hours.

Although pricing details remain uncertain due to the aircraft's development stage, Boom Supersonic has hinted at a low-cost strategy, distinguishing itself from the ultra-expensive Concorde flights of the past. CEO Blake Scholl previously stated in an interview with CNN that the company aims to make supersonic flights accessible at a price of just $100, making it possible to travel anywhere in the world within four hours.

Several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, have already pre-ordered over 130 Overture jets, signaling strong industry interest in this groundbreaking technology.

The Rise and Fall of Concorde: Lessons from History

The Concorde, jointly developed by the British and French governments, made its first supersonic test flight in 1969 and entered commercial service in 1976. However, its high operating costs and expensive ticket prices led to limited passenger demand and persistent financial losses.

A tragic incident in 2000 further sealed its fate. A Concorde flight departing from France crashed shortly after takeoff, colliding with a hotel building and killing all 109 passengers and crew on board, along with four people on the ground. The disaster, combined with economic challenges, led to the discontinuation of Concorde services in 2003. Only 14 of the 20 Concorde jets built were ever used for commercial purposes.

During the same period, Boeing also attempted to develop a supersonic passenger aircraft with government funding. However, concerns over environmental impact and noise pollution led to the cancellation of the project.

A Promising Future for Supersonic Air Travel

Boom Supersonic's achievements represent a significant step toward bringing back supersonic travel in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. If the company successfully realizes its vision of affordable global supersonic travel, it could revolutionize air travel, setting a new standard for speed and accessibility.

As technological advancements continue and environmental concerns are addressed, the dream of flying across continents in mere hours may soon become a reality for millions of passengers worldwide.