Supersonic commercial aviation is roaring back to life in a smarter and sustainable manner. With advances in engine design, aerodynamics, AIdriven simulations, and material science, companies and governments are overcoming the hurdles that grounded Concorde nearly 22 years ago. Also, sweeping regulatory reforms in the United States are paving the way for quieter, safer supersonic flight over land.
1. Technology redefining supersonic speed
• Boom supersonic andboomless cruise
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator, “Baby Boom,” exceeded Mach 1.1 in January 2025, becoming the first privately funded supersonic planes to fly without producing a ground-level sonic boom. This feat was enabled by Boom’s “Boomless Cruise” technology, which uses high-altitude flight to redirect shockwaves away from the ground. Building on XB-1’s success, Boom is developing the Overture....
