Have you ever dreamed of flying at supersonic speeds? You just might get the chance – in a few years, anyway. Supersonic United Airlines planes are about to be the fastest EV, according to an announcement made on June 3, 2021. The supersonic plane suite will come from Boom Supersonic, an aerospace company out of Denver, Colorado. Boom’s commercial line of supersonic planes are called Overture. They will soon be part of United Airlines stock of planes.

Where will the supersonic planes come from?

United Airlines is going to purchase 15 supersonic planes from Boom, according to NBC News. The Overture airplanes are set to be net-zero carbon. One of the ways that Boom’s Overture planes will be net-zero carbon will be by running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Boom Sonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl 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.”

Before United Airlines completes the purchase, the Overture planes must first meet safety, operational and sustainability requirements as required by United Airlines. There is an option for United to purchase 35 more of Boom’s Overture planes. The planes will be 205 feet long and hold anywhere from 65 to 88 passengers.

How fast will the supersonic planes be?

The supersonic planes will be capable of flying at speeds up to Mach 1.7. This is twice the speed of the fastest airplanes currently flying. United says that they’ll be able to fly from Newark to London in three and a half hours, and San Francisco to Tokyo in six hours. This will allow for people to take “longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations,” said Scholl.

When can people fly in the supersonic planes?

The supersonic planes should be ready by 2025, though they won’t fly with people in them quite yet. This is probably good, as people might not want to jump on a plane traveling twice as fast as regular planes without some sort of trial period.

The supersonic planes will be able to fly in 2026, though they still won’t be able to have passengers in them until 2029. United CEO Scott Kirby said, “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.”

Another aspect of the agreement between United Airlines and Boom Supersonic is that they will collaborate to produce sustainable aviation fuel at greater quantities, faster. If other airlines begin using sustainable fuel, it could have massive environmental benefits. 

The supersonic planes should be super comfortable, too. Passengers excited at the prospect of flying at supersonic speeds will certainly want to do so in luxury. The Overture planes will have in-seat infotainment screens and cutting edge technology. United Airlines says that there will be plenty of passenger space, which is always at a premium on flights.