When could supersonic commercial flights over the US actually start?

Boom Supersonic plans to deliver the first Overture aircraft to customers by 2029. However, the FAA must finalize its noise regulations by mid-2027 before such flights can be legally authorized.

What makes quiet supersonic flight possible?

NASA's experimental X-59 Quesst aircraft uses a specially designed airframe to reduce the typical sonic boom to a sonic thump around 75 PldB (perceived levels of decibels), similar to a car door slamming about 20 feet away. Community feedback from NASA's test flights will help inform how regulators set noise standards.

Which airlines have committed to buying Boom's Overture?

American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines have all signed commercial agreements that give them options to purchase the Overture aircraft.

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FAA proposes rules for quiet supersonic flights over US cities

Ars Technica AI2d ago3 min read

Key takeaway

The FAA is proposing rules to allow supersonic aircraft to fly over US cities if they produce minimal noise, aiming to finalize regulations by mid-2027. Boom Supersonic plans to deliver its Overture passenger airliner to customers by 2029 under agreements with major US carriers, though the company is also pursuing AI data center work to help fund the project.

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3 Key Points

What happened
The FAA has proposed a noise-based rule that would allow supersonic aircraft to fly over US land if they stay quiet enough. Congress is also advancing the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, which would let overland supersonic flights as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground. The FAA aims to finalize noise regulations by mid-2027 and plans to propose takeoff and landing noise standards later this year.
Why it matters
Legalization of quieter overland supersonic flights could help revive commercial supersonic aviation, which has been grounded in the US for decades. Boom Supersonic is developing a passenger airliner called Overture with the goal of delivering the first aircraft to customers by 2029 and has signed commercial agreements with American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines.
What to watch
NASA is testing the Lockheed Martin X-59 Quesst, an experimental aircraft designed to reduce sonic booms to sonic thumps around 75 PldB (comparable to a car door slamming about 20 feet away). Flight tests over US cities will provide community feedback to inform civil aviation authorities' regulations. Boom's CEO has noted the company is also producing natural gas turbines for AI data centers to help fund Overture development, though United Airlines' CEO has estimated only a 50/50 chance of the supersonic airliner succeeding.

FAQ

When could supersonic commercial flights over the US actually start?: Boom Supersonic plans to deliver the first Overture aircraft to customers by 2029. However, the FAA must finalize its noise regulations by mid-2027 before such flights can be legally authorized.
What makes quiet supersonic flight possible?: NASA's experimental X-59 Quesst aircraft uses a specially designed airframe to reduce the typical sonic boom to a sonic thump around 75 PldB (perceived levels of decibels), similar to a car door slamming about 20 feet away. Community feedback from NASA's test flights will help inform how regulators set noise standards.
Which airlines have committed to buying Boom's Overture?: American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines have all signed commercial agreements that give them options to purchase the Overture aircraft.

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