By Bethany Ortiz, Senior Correspondent
Washington D.C., June 10, 2025 – In a landmark decision that is set to reshape the future of air travel, President Trump has signed an executive order lifting the 52-year ban on civil supersonic flights over U.S. land. This historic move opens the door for the next generation of high-speed, commercial supersonic jets, signaling the potential revival of a phenomenon once only dreamt of by aviation enthusiasts.
The End of a Half-Century Ban
The ban on supersonic flights over land was imposed in 1973, primarily due to concerns over the disruptive sonic booms created by these aircraft. The iconic Concorde, the only supersonic airliner ever in operation, was forced to retire in 2003, and since then, supersonic flights were confined to the pages of history books. With the lifting of this ban, the United States is now poised to re-enter the world of supersonic air travel, with new technology focused on reducing noise and improving efficiency.
President Trump’s executive order marks the beginning of a new era in aviation. The policy shift is aimed at stimulating innovation within the U.S. aviation industry, fostering the development of faster, quieter, and more sustainable supersonic aircraft.
Boom Technology and the Overture: A New Hope for Supersonic Travel
One of the leading companies ready to take advantage of this new opportunity is Boom Technology, a startup focused on building supersonic jets. Boom’s XB-1 test jet has already demonstrated its ability to fly at supersonic speeds, bringing the company one step closer to its goal of revolutionizing commercial air travel.
Boom’s flagship project, the Overture, is designed to be the “Son of Concorde.” With a quieter design and improved fuel efficiency, the Overture is expected to bring supersonic flight back to passenger service in the near future. The company has already secured 130 pre-orders for the Overture from major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines, all eager to offer passengers the thrill of supersonic travel.
“We’re incredibly excited to be able to develop a jet that can bring the speed of flight back to passengers while being quieter and more efficient,” said Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Technology. “This is a pivotal moment for the future of air travel.”
Addressing the Sonic Boom: FAA Noise Standards
While the excitement surrounding the return of supersonic flights is palpable, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stressed that noise will be a critical factor in the development of these new aircraft. The previous supersonic jets were notorious for their disruptive sonic booms, which led to their eventual retirement.
The FAA is now focused on implementing new noise-based certification standards that will govern how loud these supersonic planes can be. The standards will prioritize minimizing noise pollution and ensuring that communities across the U.S. are not negatively impacted by the return of supersonic aircraft. The shift will encourage companies like Boom Technology to focus on designing jets that create much less noise than the Concorde, addressing a long-standing issue with supersonic travel.
“The key to successfully reintroducing supersonic flights is to make sure they align with the needs and concerns of the communities they fly over,” said Billy Nolen, Acting Administrator of the FAA. “We are committed to ensuring these aircraft are developed in a way that is both technologically feasible and socially responsible.”
The Future of Supersonic Air Travel
The lifting of the ban has significant implications for the future of global air travel. With supersonic jets, passengers could soon enjoy travel times cut in half. Popular transatlantic routes, like New York to London, which currently take seven to eight hours, could be completed in just over three hours. This could bring immense value to business travelers and high-end tourists who prioritize speed and efficiency.
However, one of the critical challenges will be the price of tickets. The initial cost of these advanced supersonic jets, combined with the higher fuel consumption compared to subsonic planes, could lead to premium ticket prices. Early adopters might face ticket prices of several thousand dollars, though experts suggest that the price could decrease as the technology becomes more widespread and production scales up.
Environmental concerns also remain a key issue for the aviation industry. Supersonic jets typically burn more fuel than conventional planes, raising questions about their environmental impact. However, companies like Boom are working to integrate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other technologies to minimize carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
“We are committed to developing a supersonic aircraft that aligns with the demands of both the market and the environment,” said Scholl. “Our goal is to make air travel not only faster but also greener.”
Global Competition for Supersonic Dominance
While the U.S. is now open for supersonic flights, it is not the only nation racing to develop this technology. Companies from around the world, including Aerion Supersonic and Airbus, have also made significant strides in creating their own versions of supersonic passenger jets. With the U.S. lifting its ban, it places American companies in a prime position to lead the charge in reviving the industry.
The global aviation market is on the cusp of a major transformation, with supersonic travel poised to once again captivate the public’s imagination. In a few years, passengers may find themselves boarding sleek, high-speed jets that can take them across the globe in record time.
Key Takeaways:
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The U.S. has lifted the 52-year ban on supersonic flights over land, creating opportunities for companies to develop commercial supersonic jets.
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Boom Technology’s Overture jet has already received 130 pre-orders from major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines.
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The FAA is developing new noise standards to ensure that supersonic jets will not disrupt communities or create excessive sonic booms.
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While supersonic flights may be expensive at first, the technology promises faster travel times on long-haul routes.
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Environmental considerations, including fuel consumption and emissions, are central to the development of next-generation supersonic aircraft.
