A new supersonic jet called Overture could make the journey from London to New York in just three and a half hours.
Developed by Boom Supersonic, the Colorado-based company hopes to have the jet flying by 2030, bringing back supersonic passenger travel for the first time since the Concorde.
Earlier this month, a smaller prototype of the jet, nicknamed “Baby Boom,” took its first test flight over the Mojave Desert in California.
The aircraft, officially called XB-1, flew for 12 minutes, reaching speeds of 283 mph and an altitude of 7,000 feet.
The flight tested its design and technology, which includes advanced aerodynamics and a carbon-fibre shell.
Boom’s CEO Blake Scholl said: “This is the most significant step yet in bringing supersonic travel back to passengers.”
The Overture is designed to fly at Mach 1.7 – around 1,050 mph – which is slower than the Concorde but still twice as fast as standard planes.
It could cut the London to New York journey to just three and a half hours, compared to the usual six and a half. A flight from London to Miami would take less than five hours.
The jet would carry up to 80 passengers with a range of nearly 5,000 miles.
However, because of restrictions on sonic booms, the Overture will focus on over-water routes, like those between coastal cities in the US, Europe and Asia.
Boom Supersonic says there are more than 600 possible routes for the aircraft, and airlines like United, American Airlines and Japan Airlines have already ordered 130 planes.
Supersonic travel has not been available since Concorde stopped flying in 2003.
The Concorde was famous for its speed but also had big problems with high costs, low demand and safety concerns following a fatal crash in 2000.
Boom hopes to avoid these issues with modern technology and a more sustainable design.
If all goes to plan, the Overture could make long-distance travel faster and more convenient for passengers.
Test pilot Bill Shoemaker praised the XB-1’s first flight, saying: “This is a proud moment for the team and a big step forward in making supersonic travel a reality again.”
