United Airlines plans sustainable supersonic passenger flights

The 15 Overture aircraft will be purchased once they fulfil United’s safety, operating and sustainability requirements. The terms of the agreement include an option for an additional 35 aircraft from the Denver-based aircraft company.

Boom and Rolls-Royce explore propulsion for supersonic Overture

Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon as it will be optimised to run on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will work together on fulfilling delivery and SAF requirements.

"United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today's advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes. Boom's vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry's most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travellers access to a stellar flight experience," United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement. "Our mission has always been about connecting people and now working with Boom, we'll be able to do that on an even greater scale."