ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

United Airlines Announces Deal To Buy 15 Supersonic Aeroplanes

United Airlines Announces Deal To Buy 15 Supersonic Aeroplanes

United Airlines new supersonic planes will cut the journey from London to New York down to three and a half hours

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

United Airlines has announced a deal to buy 15 planes capable of travelling at supersonic speeds, which will mean that a journey from London to New York will take just three and a half hours.

The planes will travel at 1,300mph and could be carrying passengers by 2029, a move which United claim will 'connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time'.

They've agreed to purchase 15 Overture aircraft from aerospace company Boom Supersonic, who are based in Denver, Colorado.

There's also the potential for United to buy a further 35 aircraft.

The Overture craft is set to roll out in 2025, will take to the skies in 2026, and carry passengers on commercial flights by the 2029.

So, in just a few years we could be travelling the world in half the time it takes now, hurtling along at Mach 1.7 speed - twice as fast as the commercial aeroplanes we have today.

The supersonic jet that was previously in commercial service was Concorde, which first flew in 1976 and flew for 27 years until 2003.

United Airlines/Boom Supersonic

On top of that, United has promised the jets will have in-flight entertainment screens built into the back of seats, decent legroom, and contactless technology.

They might even have things we haven't thought about yet. Technology moves fast these days.

A statement from United Airlines said: "Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours.

"Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology."

United Airlines/Boom Supersonic

They also added that the Overture crafts will be the first big commercial jet that will be net-zero carbon, as it will be running on sustainable aviation fuel.

Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, said: "The world's first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world.

"United and Boom share a common purpose - to unite the world safely and sustainably.

"At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations."

United Airlines/Boom Supersonic

United's CEO Scott Kirby added: "United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline, and today's advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes.

"Boom's vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry's most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience.

"Our mission has always been about connecting people and now, working with Boom, we'll be able to do that on an even greater scale."

Featured Image Credit: United Airlines/Boom Supersonic

Topics: World News, Interesting, US News, travel, Technology