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.