Byline: Eric Langford, Senior Correspondent
Date: June 7, 2025
In a bold move to reinvigorate American aerospace innovation, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lift a longstanding ban on overland supersonic flights. The order, signed on June 6, 2025, is seen as a landmark decision that aims to catapult the United States to the forefront of high-speed air travel, reversing policies dating back to 1973. This executive action not only clears the way for supersonic jets to fly over U.S. airspace but also mandates the development of updated noise standards and the repeal of outdated regulations that have hampered the growth of this cutting-edge sector.
The decision signals a significant shift in policy, acknowledging advances in technology that make supersonic travel more viable, both environmentally and commercially. It has been met with strong support from aerospace industry leaders, who view it as a game-changer for the future of air travel.
Repealing the Ban: A Bold Step Forward
The history of supersonic flight restrictions in the United States dates back to the early 1970s, when the FAA enacted the ban on overland supersonic flights due to concerns about the disruptive sonic booms created by aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound. The Concorde, the only commercial supersonic passenger aircraft in operation until its retirement in 2003, was famously limited to transatlantic routes to avoid overland sonic booms, which generated complaints from communities below.
President Trump’s executive order addresses these concerns head-on, asserting that technological advances have mitigated many of the issues that once made supersonic flight a disruptive endeavor. In particular, modern supersonic aircraft are designed to minimize noise, making them more acceptable for overland travel.
The order mandates that the FAA begin the process of revising noise standards to reflect these advances, as well as revisiting regulations that were once considered roadblocks to supersonic aircraft development. It is expected that the FAA will establish new noise guidelines that will allow for the safe and sustainable operation of supersonic jets in domestic airspace.
Trump’s order is seen as part of a broader effort to reassert the U.S. as a global leader in aerospace innovation. By cutting through the regulatory red tape that has stifled the development of supersonic aircraft, the move aims to support the growth of high-tech aerospace companies, create jobs, and boost U.S. dominance in an increasingly competitive global aviation market.
The Role of Boom Supersonic
One of the companies poised to benefit from the president’s order is Boom Supersonic, an American aerospace manufacturer that has made significant strides in the development of a commercial supersonic jet. Boom’s XB-1, a prototype aircraft, recently made headlines by becoming the first privately developed supersonic aircraft to break the sound barrier. The aircraft is designed to cut flight times dramatically, such as reducing the journey between New York and London to just three and a half hours.
Blake Scholl, the CEO of Boom Supersonic, has long advocated for the repeal of the supersonic flight ban and sees the executive order as a critical step toward revitalizing the industry. In a statement released shortly after the order was signed, Scholl praised the move, calling it “a crucial step toward reinvigorating commercial supersonic flight and ending decades of stagnation in aviation technology.” He further emphasized that this change will create new opportunities for American leadership in the commercial aviation space.
Boom’s plans for the Overture, a commercial supersonic airliner, have gained momentum with this policy shift. The company has already secured partnerships with major aviation players, and with the FAA lifting restrictions, it is now in a position to push forward with certification and production of supersonic jets that could be flying passengers across the globe by the end of the decade.
Trump’s Vision: “Make Aviation Great Again”
In a statement issued by the White House, the Trump administration celebrated the decision as a major step in the president’s broader agenda to “Make Aviation Great Again.” The phrase, a play on the president’s 2016 campaign slogan, underscores his commitment to revitalizing key sectors of the U.S. economy through innovation and deregulation.
The executive order also aligns with the administration’s broader focus on infrastructure development and technological advancement. By removing regulatory barriers to supersonic flight, the order is positioned as a key element in Trump’s economic strategy, which aims to stimulate growth and create high-tech jobs.
The White House stressed that the decision would not only have a transformative impact on the commercial aviation sector but would also benefit the U.S. military. Supersonic technology could lead to faster deployment of military assets, offering national security advantages in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Economic and Environmental Implications
Beyond the immediate implications for the aviation industry, Trump’s executive order has the potential to significantly impact the U.S. economy. The development of commercial supersonic flight could create thousands of jobs in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, from the construction of supersonic jets to maintenance and operations. The move could also attract significant investment in the U.S. aerospace industry, further boosting American competitiveness on the global stage.
Environmental concerns surrounding supersonic flight have been significant in the past, particularly regarding fuel consumption and emissions. However, recent advances in aircraft design and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology are expected to address many of these issues. The Biden administration had previously committed to making aviation more sustainable, and the lifting of the supersonic ban is expected to include strong safeguards to ensure that these technologies are incorporated.
The economic benefits could also extend to the broader aviation sector. If commercial supersonic flight takes off, it could lead to a surge in air travel demand, particularly for international business and luxury travel. This could, in turn, stimulate growth in related industries such as tourism, hotels, and hospitality.
A Competitive Edge for the U.S.
Trump’s order is widely seen as an attempt to secure a competitive edge for the United States in an increasingly crowded global aerospace market. Countries such as China and Russia are investing heavily in next-generation aircraft, and American firms have long faced regulatory challenges in competing in this arena. By lifting the ban on supersonic flights, Trump aims to create a more level playing field for U.S. companies and ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in aviation.
Conclusion
The repeal of the supersonic flight ban marks a significant milestone in the history of U.S. aviation. President Trump’s executive order not only clears the way for the development of high-speed commercial air travel but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to innovation and economic growth. As companies like Boom Supersonic move forward with their plans for supersonic jets, the U.S. is positioned to reclaim its place at the forefront of global aerospace technology, potentially revolutionizing air travel for future generations.