Commercial supersonic travel, a concept that has been dormant since the Concorde’s final landing in 2003, is now poised for a revival. Despite the regulatory hurdles and sustainability concerns that have shrouded this technology, the desire to halve globe-spanning travel times remains strong, driven by a mix of nostalgia and forward-looking innovation. The potential benefits of supersonic travel, such as enhanced global connectivity and reduced travel times, are too significant to ignore. Could the resurrection of supersonic travel reshape our world for the better?
Boom Supersonic, a leading player in the revival of supersonic travel, has recently achieved a significant milestone. Their XB-1 prototype jet, affectionately known as “Baby Boom,” has successfully taken flight over the Mojave Desert. This successful test flight is a precursor to the Overture, which is envisioned as the first commercial supersonic aircraft since the iconic Concorde. The fact that 130 jets have already been ordered by major airlines like United and American Airlines shows the promising future of supersonic travel. However, there are still challenges to overcome before this technology can become commercially viable.
Boom’s founder and CEO Blake Scholl acknowledges the steep ascent ahead, citing a funding requirement of up to $8 billion to bring Overture to the skies. Furthermore, the environmental impact of supersonic flights, which consume more fuel than their slower-than-sound counterparts, looms large over the endeavor. And then there is the sonic boom—currently, regulations prohibit supersonic flights over land due to the disruptive noise, confining potential routes to transoceanic journeys only.
The specter of what I like to call the “Concord Scenario” looms large in this context. The Concorde, a marvel of its time, was ultimately shackled by regulatory concerns and environmental fears—factors that could just as quickly ground current innovations. The 1960s and ’70s painted a bright future with aerial possibilities that, today, remain unfulfilled promises. Regulatory bodies can often turn into barriers to progress. What stops innovation? Usually, it is a complex cocktail of bureaucracy, well-connected incumbents, political power plays, and public apprehension—elements that curtailed the Concorde.
Yet, civil aviation has proven itself to be a force that can unite the world, bringing distant cultures into close conversation. Indeed, throughout history, it has been a powerful force for good, shrinking distances and fostering connections.The potential benefits of supersonic flight are undeniable. It would revolutionize global travel, fostering closer human collaboration. Shouldn’t we be working to ensure its continued progress, not clinging to the limitations of the past?
Reviving commercial supersonic travel is an ambitious endeavor that demands the fusion of groundbreaking technologies and a resolute commitment to addressing certain concerns. While technological ingenuity will pave the way, true success hinges on our ability to reduce long-standing fears and deploy these advancements sustainably and responsibly. The prospect of supersonic flights holds the promise of erasing traditional boundaries of time and distance, effectively shrinking the world and bringing nations closer together. However, realizing this vision will require nurturing an environment where innovation can thrive.
* Federico N. Fernández is a visionary leader dedicated to driving innovation and change. As the CEO of We Are Innovation, a global network of 30+ think tanks and NGOs, Federico champions innovative solutions worldwide. His expertise and passion for innovation have earned him recognition from prestigious publications such as The Economist, El País, Folha de São Paulo, and Newsweek. Federico has also delivered inspiring speeches and lectures across three continents, authored numerous scholarly articles, and co-edited several books on economics.
Source: We Are Innovation
