Boom Supersonic, which has its sights on commercial Hawaii flights, among others, starting in 2029, announced today the first successful flight of its XB-1. This is a milestone in the aviation company’s plans for what is the first ever independently developed supersonic jet. The flight took place at the Mojave Air & Space Port, and despite all doubts about the company and its plans, represents a big step forward.
Prepare for inevitable supersonic flights to Hawaii.
Last year, Boom SST’s XB-1 received FAA experimental airworthiness certification following significant scrutiny. XB-1 is the precursor to Boom’s near-future planned supersonic airliner called Overture. The airliner is planned as a carbon fiber composite aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, digitally-optimized aerodynamics, and advanced supersonic propulsion.
United Airlines, American Airlines and others see the potential for supersonic travel via Overture SST, flying at Mach 1.7 and slashing travel time between Hawaii and California to a mere two hours. The forthcoming Overture SST, with four engines and a streamlined fuselage, is premised on increased efficiency and reduced noise levels. It will cater to discerning visitors seeking a faster and more luxurious travel experience.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said previously, “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.”
Hawaii route and price conjecture.
“West coast markets to Honolulu and Maui include the Bay Area (San Francisco or Oakland) and Los Angeles (2.25 hours). International destinations might include Sydney, Australia (4 hours) and Tokyo, Japan (3 hours). Domestic flights other than overwater aren’t going to happen due to the sonic boom, which, while said to be less on Boom, will still be an issue. As for ticket prices, we can’t say what fares could be to fly on the Overture jets, but we’d expect them to be somewhat higher than the typical first-class fares that Hawaii visitors now pay.”
Beat of Hawaii
Contemplating potential inaugural routes.
Hawaii remains one of the compelling destinations for supersonic flights, following lucrative business oriented routes from New York to London. United Airlines plans to purchase Boom’s ‘Overture’ aircraft. It represents an industry shift towards this new type of air travel, with projected passenger operations slated for as soon as 2029.
Boom, a U.S. company, identified nearly 600 routes suitable for Overture SST, potentially halving current flight times. It plans to introduce its 1,300 MPH supersonic aircraft accommodating 65-88 passengers.
The first Overture aircraft is slated for construction in 2025.
Nonetheless, there is significant skepticism among many in the industry about the feasibility of supersonic travel and Boom Overture in particular. Previously, Supersonic plane travel to Hawaii has included Concorde landings. Those happened before the turn of the century. As the airline industry continues to move forward, the prospects of regular supersonic travel to Hawaii invite contemplation.
Boom said that the aircraft meticulously executed all test objectives during today’s test flight. It flew to an altitude of 7,120 feet at speeds up to 273 mph. According to the manufacturer, the flight validated XB-1’s design and performance.
Two decades after Concorde, which had Hawaii flights.
Two decades after the fourteen Concorde planes were retired, Boom believes that the test aircraft’s success signifies a resurgence of commercial supersonic aviation in the very near future.
What are your thoughts on Boom SST travel to Hawaii?
I think it’s great but the cost will be to expensive for most people.
Well it’s about time. Is it necessary? No. Four hours to Hawaii is no big deal. We fly to Tokyo and then Bangkok and Manila from LAX every year. But cutting the travel time in half? Why not if you can afford it. I’m sure there will be plenty of takers if the price is about double for half the travel time. Time is money
I think this is a very risky proposition for the company and also the airlines to purchase. If NASA’s jet gets certified to fly supersonic over land then not only would the overture jets be allowed but also could only travel over the ocean. Airlines won’t buy both when One does it all.
Why will ,Boom succeed where Concorde failed because of sonic booms over populated areas?
It’s nice to see that we are striving to do better moving forward but I caution against price gouging which can kill the whole thing. Be reasonable please.
Having retired from the aerospace industry I can vouch for the fact that the technology is available to bring this aircraft to fruition, but, as noted by several posters already, the economy of doing so and making it a financial success is an entirely different matter…
Best Regards
San Diego guy here. I want this to happen, but it won’t in my town. We’re SO lucky to have an airport Right in the middle of our city center (sit in any window seat labeled “A” for the best views). That said, departing on runway 27 for a supersonic? It will get shut down immediately. Too many rich people on a hill, basically. If Boom can really take off in a turbofan mode, Then switch to supersonic in-flight, the we “might” have a chance. Again, I really, really want this to work. It’s about time we had some courage to fly Mach 2+ again.
35 year airline guy here, I have to agree with you, I too want this to happen but the feasibility of being able to fly on this aircraft and making it affordable for the common man that’s what I do not see. Now that being said the Concord was around for many years and the wealthy, I have to assume ,we’re able to support it until they didn’t.
Well of course it will take off in sub sonic mode. All planes do. But San Diego may no be a big enough hub with lax so close by