The United States opens the doors to a new era for commercial flights after 52 years of prohibition

Supersonic Flight Revival: FAA poised to Lift Decades-Old Ban

Washington D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is nearing a decision to lift the decades-long ban on supersonic commercial flights over land, perhaps opening a new era of high-speed air travel within the United States. This move follows a 30-year prohibition enacted in 1973 due to concerns about noise pollution and environmental impact from the Concorde.

The lifting of the ban has spurred a competitive landscape,with Boom Supersonic,headquartered in Denver,Colorado,and Lockheed Martin,based in Bethesda,Maryland, leading the charge in developing next-generation supersonic aircraft. Boom is currently focused on the “Overture” aircraft, aiming for a cruise speed of Mach 1.7 (approximately 1,300 mph), while Lockheed Martin has been exploring various supersonic concepts, including collaborations with NASA.

The FAA’s regulatory process mirrors the timeline for commercial drone integration, which took approximately four years from initial government mandates to full operational status.FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker has indicated a commitment to a streamlined, yet thorough, review process. The agency is currently evaluating noise mitigation technologies and environmental impact assessments submitted by both Boom and Lockheed Martin. The current proposed rule, published on december 19, 2024, outlines specific conditions for supersonic flight, including time-of-day restrictions and noise level limits.

If approved, initial routes are expected to connect major U.S. cities like New York, Los angeles, and Miami, potentially reducing cross-country travel times by over 50%. Boom Supersonic projects that Overture coudl cut the New York to London flight time from approximately 7 hours to just 3.5 hours. The economic impact is estimated to be notable, with potential for job creation in aerospace manufacturing and related industries.