Supersonic jets return to skies with ‘Overture’

Supersonic travel may be on its way back to the skies with a new aircraft, Overture, gaining patronage among commercial airlines.

The Overture, made by Boom Supersonic, can reach speeds of 1,300mph – more than double that of the fastest commercial jets.

It would mean the flying time between Miami and London could be slashed from eight hours and 45 minutes to five, between New York and London from six-and-a-half hours to three-and-a-half, and Lagos-Abuja’s one-hour flight taking about 30 minutes.

Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, also claimed it would mean jet-lag is confined to history – because passengers can beat any time difference.

He said: “If a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo is cut from 12 hours to six, you can leave a whole day later. If you leave Sunday morning, you’ll get there Sunday afternoon, which is Monday morning Japan time, do a day of meetings and arrive back home 24 hours after you left without any jet-lag.”

American Airlines last week agreed to buy up to 20 Overture jets and keep a further 40 on hold.

Boom Supersonic claims to have $6 billion worth of pre-orders, with Virgin Atlantic requesting up to 10 aircraft in 2016 and United Airlines 15 last year.

Concorde was the last supersonic airliner, launching in 1976 and ending service in late 2003.

The Overture is expected to carry 65 to 80 passengers, with all seating arranged business class-style, meaning middle rows will be a thing of the past. A single ticket to New York will cost about £1,750.