X

American Airlines to Purchase 20 Supersonic Aircraft

The world's largest airline aims to become one of the world's fastest.

David Anders Senior Writer
David Anders is a senior writer for CNET covering broadband providers, smart home devices and security products. Prior to joining CNET, David built his industry expertise writing for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. In his 5 plus years covering broadband, David's work has been referenced by a variety of sources including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. David is from and currently resides in the Charlotte area with his wife, son and two cats.
Expertise Broadband providers, Home internet, Security Cameras
See full bio
David Anders
Artist's rendering of an Overture jet in flight amid the clouds
Boom Supersonic

American Airlines and Boom Supersonic revealed Tuesday that the airline has agreed to purchase up to 20 Overture aircraft with the option for 40 more. With the purchase agreement, American Airlines joins United Airlines, which purchased 15 Overture aircraft in June, as a major investor in supersonic air travel. 

Boom Supersonic's Overture jets are intended to be 100% carbon neutral and capable of carrying passengers over water at Mach 1.7, or roughly 1,300 miles per hour -- twice as fast as today's commercial aircraft. Boom CEO Blake Scholl previously told CNET that the Overture aircraft will take passengers "from New York to London in three and a half hours, or San Francisco to Tokyo in six." 

American Airlines didn't mention any specific routes for the new fleet, however, noting that commercial passenger use is still years away. An American Airlines spokesperson told CNET that "as Boom continues to develop the Overture aircraft, we will work together to better understand where, when and how it can fit within our network and operation."

The first commercial Overture flights are slated for 2029.

See also: Boom Supersonic Wants You to Break the Sound Barrier

Watch this: How Concorde Pioneered Supersonic Commercial Flight