Want to have lunch in London and dinner in New York? Denver-based Boom Supersonic plans to make that a possibility. News of the exciting technology first broke in April, but Boom Supersonic has finally unveiled its first prototype to the world. In partnership with Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, the company revealed an aircraft capable of flying at mach 2.2, or 1,451 m.p.h. Called the XB-1—and nicknamed Baby Boom—the prototype demonstrates the key technological innovations to be used in the proposed passenger plane. Decades ago, the legendary Concorde offered affluent passengers supersonic speeds and shorter trips, but its final flight came in 2003 thanks to rising fuel costs, concerns about excessive sound, and outlandish ticket prices. Boom Supersonic will employ advanced materials and improvements in engine technology to keep its craft lighter, quieter, and more fuel efficient, which is essential to keeping fares affordable. The company expects tickets to run around $5,000, roughly the same as business-class seats on conventional wide-body airplanes.
The craft will seat 45 and focus initially on oversea routes such as New York to London and San Francisco to Tokyo. But it won’t just be about speed; Boom Supersonic intends to make the journey a memorable one. “We are taking the opportunity to rethink the end-to-end passenger experience,” the firm’s website states. “Our goal is to provide a tranquil and stress-free experience from the moment you step aboard, whether you want to work, play, or relax.” The company hopes to begin commercial flights by 2023, which for some travelers can’t get here fast enough.
