Boom Supersonic: A Commercial Return to Supersonic Travel

From 1976 to 2003, the Concorde flew passengers across the Atlantic at supersonic speeds, making history despite its high costs, noise, and fuel inefficiency. Today, Boom Supersonic, a production facility based in North Carolina, aims to achieve what the Concorde couldn’t: long-term commercial supersonic flight. Based in North Carolina, Boom promises innovation and efficiency with its new plane, Overture. 

Boom's Ambitious Project 

On Monday, Boom completed its first manufacturing and testing facility, a 179,000-square-foot hangar at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. In return for creating at least 1,760 jobs and investing half a billion dollars, Boom received up to $87 million in potential payroll tax benefits from the state. Additionally, North Carolina allocated $56 million for the construction of two aircraft hangars. 

Boom's first plane concept, Overture, completed its initial subsonic flight in March 2024. Over the next year, the company will install testing equipment at its new facility, aiming for the Overture to be passenger-ready by 2029. 

Technological Advances and Efficiency 

Boom believes that modern technology will overcome the challenges faced by the Concorde. Advances in computing have enhanced aerodynamic and structural analysis, while the use of composite materials will make the Overture lighter and more fuel-efficient. Unlike the Concorde, the Overture will not use afterburners for liftoff, further reducing fuel costs. 

At the recent ribbon-cutting event, Boom CEO Blake Scholl announced that round-trip flights on the Overture would start around $5,000, targeting business class travellers. The Overture will be smaller than the Concorde, seating up to 80 passengers compared to the Concorde’s 100. This “right-sizing” is intended to make operations more economical and the flying experience more comfortable. 

Scholl highlighted that faster travel times would offer unique cost advantages for airlines. Reduced airtime means airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines, which have agreements to purchase Overtures, can complete more routes. Additionally, supersonic travel could allow crews to return home more frequently, reducing hotel costs. 

Boom has pledged to design the Overture to fly on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which are made from renewable sources like food waste and woody biomass. While SAFs currently cost more than petroleum, increased demand is expected to lower prices over time. 

Overcoming the Sound Barrier 

One challenge the Overture shares with the Concorde is noise. Even at 60,000 feet, the Concorde’s sonic booms were loud enough to restrict it from flying supersonic over land. NASA’s experimental X-59 plane aims to break the sound barrier with a “gentle thump” instead of a boom, and Boom is closely monitoring this project. 

Boom is confident that its business model is viable, with or without changes to overland flight restrictions. The company has identified up to 600 profitable transoceanic routes. 

Boom Supersonic is poised to make history by overcoming the limitations of the Concorde with modern technology and a focused business model. If successful, the Overture could mark the return of commercial supersonic flight, revolutionising air travel once again. 

Brookfield is thrilled with the innovative steps Boom Supersonic is taking towards revolutionising air travel with the Overture. Committed to supporting this groundbreaking initiative, Brookfield recognises the potential for substantial advancements and economic growth in the aviation industry, whilst adding jobs to produce the aircraft. By supporting Boom’s efforts, we share our encouragement and are willing to be part of a transformative journey that promises to bring significant fortune and progress to the sector.