Supersonic passenger planes are back (PICTURES+VIDEO)  

American Airlines adds 20 to its fleet

One of the world’s largest airlines, American Airlines, is investing in supersonic passenger flights by purchasing 20 Overture aircraft from jet startup Boom. Although Boom has yet to build the supersonic plane, American Airlines has added to the contract an option to buy an additional 40 aircraft if all goes well.

The Overture Superfactory, Boom’s factory for the jets, will begin construction later this year and production will begin in 2024. The first supersonic jet is not expected to be delivered until 2026. Still, American Airlines is betting in the prospects of the Overture.

The aircraft will reach a speed of Mach 1.7, with flights such as Newark-London completed in 4 hours and San Francisco-Tokyo in just six hours. In addition, the Overture will have a zero carbon footprint as it will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel.