United Airlines Invests in Supersonic Airplanes That Will Cut Flight Times in Half.

United Airlines may soon have the fastest fleet in the sky with its newest investment in supersonic planes that can fly at speeds up to 1,300 mph — that’s twice the rate of today’s fastest passenger airliners

Last week, United Airlines signed a commercial agreement with aerospace company Boom Supersonic to purchase 15 ‘Overture’ planes. As part of the agreement, United will also have the option to buy an additional 35 jets.

According to Travel+Leisure, these futuristic planes will cut the flying time on some routes by half. Flying from Newark to Frankfurt, for example, could take four hours as opposed to the usual seven-hour trip, while a San Francisco to Tokyo flight could be reduced from over 10 hours to just six.

“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 travelers 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.”

Beyond being super fast, the Overture aircraft are also more eco-friendly than the average plane currently operating in the skies. These supersonic planes are expected to be net-zero carbon and fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel, Travel+Leisure reports.

“United and Boom share a common purpose — to unite the world safely and sustainably,” Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder, and CEO said in a statement. “At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of a life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations.”

Boom Supersonic is currently working to bring the Overture planes up to safety and operating standards. The company is expected to deliver the aircraft to United Airlines in 2026 to carry passengers by 2029.

Jessica Poitevien

Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.

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