The iconic Concorde, a symbol of luxury and speed, ceased its flights in 2003, leaving a void in the world of aviation for those who yearned to travel faster than the speed of sound. For years, the question “Is The Concorde Still Flying?” has echoed among aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike, reminiscing about a bygone era of supersonic transatlantic journeys. While the Concorde itself remains grounded, the dream of supersonic passenger flight is far from over.
Exciting news has emerged from United Airlines, announcing a conditional agreement to purchase 15 ‘Overture’ airliners from Boom Supersonic, a US startup. These jets are designed to travel at Mach 1.7, twice the speed of today’s commercial airliners. This ambitious move signals a potential return to supersonic transatlantic flights before the decade concludes, reigniting the conversation around high-speed air travel and the legacy of the Concorde.
Imagine slashing flight times in half; a trip from London to Newark could take a mere three and a half hours, compared to the almost seven hours it currently takes. The Concorde once held the record for the fastest commercial flight between New York and London, completing the journey in an astounding two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds in 1996. The Overture aims to bring back this era of rapid transatlantic travel, promising to significantly reduce travel time for passengers.
While the Concorde’s retirement was attributed to factors like declining demand and escalating maintenance expenses, United Airlines is optimistic about the Overture’s viability. Mike Leskinen, United’s VP of corporate development, highlights that the Boom jet is projected to be 75% more cost-effective to operate than the Concorde. This improvement is attributed to advancements in engine technology and lighter airframe materials. These savings could translate to a more accessible supersonic travel experience, potentially offering both premium and economy seating options, a departure from the Concorde’s exclusive, high-end model.
The environmental aspect is also a crucial consideration. The 88-seat Overture is designed to be the first zero-carbon supersonic airliner, operating on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. This commitment to sustainability addresses a key concern in modern aviation and sets the Overture apart from its predecessor, the Concorde, which was known for its fuel consumption.
The journey to bring supersonic flight back to the skies is underway. A prototype of the Overture is slated for its first flight this year or in early 2022, with flight trials expected to commence in 2026. If all goes according to plan, commercial flights could begin as early as 2029. United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, stating that supersonic planes are becoming increasingly viable due to technological advancements. Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic’s founder, sees this agreement as a significant stride towards a more connected world.
Interestingly, Virgin Galactic also unveiled designs for a supersonic passenger plane last year, capable of reaching speeds three times the speed of sound. While this concept focuses on a smaller capacity jet carrying 9 to 19 passengers, it further underscores the growing momentum towards supersonic travel.
In conclusion, while the Concorde may no longer be flying, the spirit of supersonic flight is clearly being rekindled. United Airlines’ investment in Boom Supersonic’s Overture jet represents a significant step towards making supersonic transatlantic travel a reality once again. The answer to “is the concorde still flying?” remains no, but the future of supersonic flight looks brighter than it has in decades, promising a new era of faster global connections.
