In preparation for the inevitability of SST flights to Hawaii, there’s news from Boom Supersonic as its test aircraft moves west and prepares for flight. The manufacturer has further refined its plans, and we have the latest updates today, along with thoughts on flying to Hawaii on SST and a new video from Boom.
Boom XB-1 will demonstrate the viability of supersonic flights to Hawaii
Boom SST has moved its SB-1 technology demonstrator aircraft to the Mojave Air & Space Port in California in preparation for its first flight. Boom said, “The aircraft has undergone extensive ground testing since arriving, including this week’s taxi testing, which can be viewed below.”
“The recent progress made towards XB-1’s first flight reflects the team’s collective efforts to build and safely fly the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet.”
Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic’s founder and CEO
Boom SST’s XB-1 Receives Airworthiness Certificate
The company said it has already received the FAA’s experimental airworthiness certificate, which followed a detailed aircraft inspection.
We haven’t seen a date for the first flight. But the plane’s chief test pilot, Bill “Doc” Shoemaker, added,
“It’s fitting that XB-1 is now progressing toward first flight at the Mojave Air & Space Port, home to more than 50 first flights and other significant aviation events. I’m looking forward to flying XB-1 here, building on the achievements of other talented engineers and pilots who inspire us every day to make supersonic travel mainstream”
United Airlines plans to fly the SST, and other airlines are lining up. You’ll travel at Mach 1.7, which is 1,294 MPH. That will bring Hawaii within two hours of California.
As you may recall, the Overture SST, Boom’s passenger version, will now have four engines instead of the originally planned two. It also has a streamlined fuselage. Fewer passengers will be onboard due to the 4-engine design that increases efficiency and decreases noise as the plane flies quietly from point A to point B.
Hawaii, United Airlines, and Boom Supersonic.
The very first route being discussed is from New York to London. Compelling reasons will dictate that Hawaii comes soon for SST travel as well.
“United will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating, and sustainability requirements, with an option for 35 more aircraft. Slated to carry passengers in 2029, the net-zero carbon aircraft will fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).” — United Airlines.
Boom SST will carry 65-88 passengers from 2029.
The plane can fly 4,250 nautical miles, putting most of the US within its current range, except for the east coast. This is because there would be unacceptable noise associated with SST travel across the country. If Boom travels over land, it would be at a reduced speed of Mach 0.97. That makes West Coast travel to Hawaii most likely to happen.
Possible Hawaii supersonic flight costs and routes.
“Price will be about 25% higher than current first class fares. Would you pay for the experience? See cost estimates below in today’s dollars. If more first-class passengers opt for Boom, it might open up seats in front on current planes for upgrades.”
Beat of Hawaii
- San Francisco to Honolulu in 2.25 hours. $2,500.
- Los Angeles to Honolulu in 2.25 hours. $2,500.
- Honolulu to Sydney in 4 hours. $5,000.
- Honolulu to Tokyo in 3 hours. $3,500.
When will Boom Supersonic commercial flights begin?
Test flights are still set to begin soon, with the first Zoom Overture getting built in 2025. Boom flights will use 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Actual scheduled flights could start by 2029, according to Boom. Skeptics, however, say that it will never happen for a variety of reasons.
Supersonic in Hawaii has a storied past.
We still remember when the Concorde SST landed in Honolulu in 1987. There was excitement about regular charters that never happened. There may have been about a dozen Concorde landings in Hawaii. They were comprised of Air France test flights and a half dozen charters.
We are more inclined to believe this will actually come to fruition. What are your thoughts on the viability of supersonic travel to Hawaii.
BTDT up through ground school on the Concorde before the interchange program w/ BA and Air France got cancelled just prior to going to France for flight simulator training. The fall of the Shah, high(er) interest rates, a contracting money supply, residual effects of the Middle East oil boycotts, and a general downturn in the economy all came together to crush what was a “fun” SST concept. Sound familiar? We started falling backwards; not moving – or flying – forward. It was a bad idea when “we” tried it w/ BA and Air France and it’s a bad idea now IMO.
SST commercial flights = costs in the extreme — targeted passengers are mostly high-end business/first class pax– limited or no supersonic flights over the USA — noise, and more noise in and around airports requiring $$$ for much larger “noise zones” — much higher fuel consumption than “regular jet transports” — government subsidies WILL be required at some point and the expected return on their investment (sometimes up to 80% on the Concorde) sucked the life out of any expected profitability for the airlines …
I think BOOM is expecting gov’t subsidies — they just don’t say it – yet. Think what would happen to the EV “market” w/out gov’t subsidies and incentives … same-o, same-o.
So it didn’t work then, and based upon that experience and the current state of affairs — don’t see any other outcome anytime soon.
Don’t want to burst anyone’s bubbles … just sayin’. Aloha
Hi Dickie_D.
Thanks very much for that. So you were originally going to fly Concorde! Fascinating.
Aloha.
What is the normal cruising height for these planes?
Until they fix the sonic boom problem, Supersonic travel will never be useful to the masses. If they want to tackle a real problem, set term and age limits on politicians and CEO’s. Old and bad ideas are ruining our economy not to mention the health of our planet and it’s inhumane population.
I am all for Supersonic Hawaii Travel. I was on the concord when it was in Edmonton years ago. The flight was something else. The only thing that was a little scary was when we broke the sound barrier we could smell fuel in the plane. Flying supersonic is the way of the future but I would not be able to afford the price of a ticket.
I sure would I’d rather do that then fly 8 hours from Sacramento to Hawaii when it be done in two
How long ago did you fly to Hawai’i from Sacramento that it took eight hours, please?! On our last flight to the mainland, the pilot made it in just under five!
Definitely better than taking the train.
The competition is subsonic business class. SF to SYD $7500 for 7 hours in a seat vs. $3500 for 16 hours in a lie flat business class bed seat. Many would choose the bed even if the prices were equal. You get there 9 hours later but with 8 hours of it sleeping. The numbers don’t favor Boom.
Price isn’t right. You can get 2 first class r/t tickets from LAX for $2,200. Not worth the time difference, plus I’m sure you’ll be cramped up for those 2.25 hours.
Wonder what it would cost to HNL flying out of Atlanta? Heck yes! I’d give it a try! WAAAY Mo Bedda than the whole day I spend flying home now.
Wow !
NY to London will be quicker than driving from
Newcastle to Brighton.
The engines are once again under the wing behind the gear. Have we learned nothing from the Concorde disaster?
Let us hope that it will be configured with a less cramped interior than concorde.
Mahalo for this exciting and informative article. I’d definitely give it a try if I could afford it, but the cost will keep SST available to only the very well-to-do for years to come.
Go for it , we need that kind of business in hawaii ,we would use it, waiting to see if it will happen, we will keep all our leaders updated. Aloha and Mahalo
The crazies with no skin in the game will find every reason to kill it.
The fuel has me a bit worried – too much, too fast?
Would I fly it to Hawaii from LA, absolutely, especially if it didn’t fly out of LAX. To avoid the LAX nightmare, I now fly to HNL from Ontario. Worse plane, higher fare, but easy in and out.
Too expensive for me.
Fascinating article. Will definitely buy a ticket to get to Hawaii at super sonic speed. Beautiful aircraft
Hawaii people will still complain how much it costs. Supersonic travel is for business, not for leisure travel. Plus, United pulled out of the HNL to Japan market. It’s more cost effective to have airlines fly slower planes to leisure markets.
This would be great to see!
I don’t see it flying between Hawaii and Australia. Due to time zone differences, there would be limited times the aircraft could depart one city in order to arrive at a decent time at the other city.
Potential prices way too high. Don’t know at what point I would consider it. Unless I win the lottery.
Wow – we would love to fly supersonic to Hawaii- Hawaiian Airlines from SMF to HNL would be terrific- 2 1/4 hour flight time is great – hopefully the airport infrastructure will be able to handle this aircraft with ease and pilots and crew would be available too.
Sydney is too far away from Hawaii. Over 5,000 miles. It would be nice to know the length of runway needed to land and takeoff.
Since i live in california two hours to hawaii. I would try that flight if it happened……
I had no idea of this at all until this article! OMG, 2 hours to Hawaii would be so awesome 😎