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Does the World Even Want Supersonic Travel? - Popular Mechanics
The Concorde's commercial successor will soon take to the skies. It might want to read the room first.
An American startup is set to begin testing a “new Concorde” supersonic jet next year. But what’s really changed since the Concorde discontinued service in 2003? And who, exactly, is clamoring for a new version?
Denver-based Boom Supersonic says it will unveil XB-1, a 1:3 scale model of its planned supersonic jet, Overture, in October, with test flights to follow in 2021. Boom’s messaging of “bringing more people, places, and cultures” into physical reach with supersonic travel is a curious one in this particular moment in human history.
Supersonic travel has only ever been the territory of the ultra-wealthy, to the point where the Concorde simply wasn't profitable, even with tickets that averaged $12,000 round trip long before the transatlantic voyages ended.
The Concorde's commercial successor will soon take to the skies. It might want to read the room first.
An American startup is set to begin testing a “new Concorde” supersonic jet next year. But what’s really changed since the Concorde discontinued service in 2003? And who, exactly, is clamoring for a new version?
Denver-based Boom Supersonic says it will unveil XB-1, a 1:3 scale model of its planned supersonic jet, Overture, in October, with test flights to follow in 2021. Boom’s messaging of “bringing more people, places, and cultures” into physical reach with supersonic travel is a curious one in this particular moment in human history.
Supersonic travel has only ever been the territory of the ultra-wealthy, to the point where the Concorde simply wasn't profitable, even with tickets that averaged $12,000 round trip long before the transatlantic voyages ended.