Can supersonic passenger flights resume?

2024-09-07 21:01:44, Kosova & Bota CNA

Could supersonic passenger travel become an everyday reality again? A passenger jet from the American company Boom Supersonic may one day replace the Concorde supersonic airliner, which was withdrawn from the market.

The Concorde airliner made its last flight in November 2003. This passenger jet was a revolution in aviation, covering the distance between the two sides of the Atlantic at twice the speed of sound and halving the time of travel compared to other airline aircraft.

But due to low demand, high ticket prices and an accident in 2000, the aircraft was taken out of service by two airlines, Air France and British Airways.

Now almost two decades after the last flight of the Concorde plane, American firm Boom Supersonic says the time has come to bring back supersonic air travel. With their "Overture" aircraft, the company aims to reach a speed of Mach 1.7, with up to 80 passengers on board and a distance of over 6,800 kilometers.

"The Concorde aircraft was truly an achievement for the 1960s, even very advanced for that time. But the big problem was the expensive price of the trip. 20 thousand dollars for a ticket is not a reasonable price. But 60 years later, we already have better materials, better aerodynamics, more efficient engines; all electronic parts have become lighter and better. So we can build a new generation supersonic aircraft that is more affordable and can fly more," says Blake Scholl, executive director at Boom Supersonic.

At the 2024 International Airshow, the company unveiled the new cockpit, as well as announced progress on the supersonic engine for the new Overture aircraft. Among the new options is augmented reality, which offers pilots a full field of view without the need to lower the top of the plane, as was done with the Concorde plane. There are also large touchscreens and simpler controls.

"We have made progress on the supersonic engine, called 'Symphony.' We are testing the engine and aim to start mass production in 18 months. We have already received orders for the purchase of the 'Overture' aircraft, from companies such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Japan Airlines. When we talk to passengers, we hear from everyone that they want faster flights. So supersonic planes will be essential for all airlines", says Mr. Scholl.

Aviation analyst Paul Beaver flew Concorde in 2000 and is optimistic about the future of a new supersonic passenger jet. He says he will be among the first to try this type of flight, but that everything will depend on the economy and how attractive this type of travel will be to the market.

"I understand that there were many people who wanted to fly on the Concorde plane, from London to New York, because that is where the money is." They are people who value their time and are willing to pay large sums. They are the ones who buy Gulfstream private jets and who may want to travel in the supersonic jet, as time is money for them. So it's a somewhat niche market and it will be interesting to see if the Boom company and the Overture aircraft succeed in this market," says Mr. Beaver.

The project for the supersonic aircraft 'Overture' was presented during the International Air Show in Farnborough, England and was available to visitors during the period 22-26 July. The company intends for this aircraft to be put into use by 2029./ VOA