United Airlines signed a commercial arrangement with Denver-based aerospace firm Boom Supersonic to add the Overture aircraft into its global fleet in addition to a cooperative sustainability initiative -- a movement that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation. Boom Supersonic has been broadly covered by this particular media outlet as the firm has made AM a essential part of its inner development and production, using chiefly polymer extrusion systems from Stratasys and metallic PBF systems from Velo3D.
Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom's'Overture' airliners, once Overture matches United's demanding safety, functioning and sustainability demands, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The firms will work together on fulfilling those requirements before delivery.
"The planet's very first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a substantial step in our mission to produce a more accessible world," explained Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO. "United and Boom share a frequent purpose--to unite the planet safely and safely. At rates twice as quickly, United passengers will encounter all the benefits of life lived in person, from deeper, more profitable company relationships to more, more relaxing holidays to far-off destinations"
After operational, Overture is expected to be the first big commercial aircraft to become net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% renewable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom may even work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.
"United continues on its trajectory to construct a more innovative, renewable airline and now's improvements in technology are making it simpler for this to include supersonic planes. Boom's vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry's strongest route network on earth, will give business and leisure travelers access to some leading flight experience," United CEO Scott Kirby stated. "Our mission has always been about connecting people and currently working with Boom, we'll be able to do this on an even greater scale."
Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 -- twice the rate of today's fastest airliners -- Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment displays, ample personal space, and contactless technology. Working with Boom is another element of United's strategy to invest in advanced technologies which can build a more sustainable future of aviation.
