Last June we reported that supersonic air transportation was set for a return, almost fourteen years after the Concorde was officially grounded. Boom Technology, an aviation technology startup, has created a three engine jet that’s equipped to carry 55 passengers and travel at 2x the speed of sound. Well, Boom is now closer to takeoff after a “milestone” engine delivery. All pieces are now in place and ready for assembly. Tests will take place over the next several years with an anticipated first passenger flight date of 2023. The Richard Branson backed airline says that 7 unnamed carriers are interested in deals with the jet maker and that JAL and Virgin Galactic will be the first carriers to operate the jet.
As part of the deal Japan’s number two carrier has the option to purchase up to 20 Boom aircraft and will provide its knowledge and experience as an airline to hone the aircraft design and help refine the passenger experience.
Unfortunately, overland supersonic regulations will prevent Boom from initially offering New York to California flights, but the start-up is hopeful that once they prove how quiet the operation is, they’ll be able to sell 2 hour and 20 minute NYC – San Francisco / LAX flights. In the meantime, the plan calls for a 3 hour flight to London from New York at a cost of $3K-5K, compared to the Concorde’s $15K price.
‘You won’t have to be on the Forbes’ list to be able to fly, it will cost about the same as flying business class today. The ultimate goal is to make supersonic affordable for anyone who flies.’
Boom founder and CEO Blake Scholl says that the aircraft won’t be any louder to passenger aboard than any current day aircraft model.
A flight on the Concorde was one of the most luxurious award redemptions available at the time. How many miles/points did it cost? It was very program dependent! Did you know that you were able to redeem AA, Continental, Delta, US, and SPG points and miles among other foreign award currencies for a free award trip on the Concorde? As all seats were considered First, the rates weren’t that bad…especially with the SPG Qantas trick –
125,000 AAdvantage Miles
100,000 SPG Points
200,000 OnePass Miles
160,000 SkyMiles
125,000 US Airways Miles
200,000 Membership Rewards Points
Related Concorde Posts:
- Airbus Files Patent for Concorde 2, Concorde 1 Back? + How Many Miles Got You a Flight
- The Pepsi Concorde – Yes, the Soda Company!
- The Future? JFK-LAX in 45 mins, JFK-Europe in 1 Hour, & Train from LHR-PEK in 2 Days
- Virgin Galactic to Replace the Concorde – Look Back @ Award Rates
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2 comments
The Concorde was exclusive and elegant but not especially roomy, so I wouldn’t call it luxurious. The cabin was height lower than most aircraft, the pitch was not much more than Y+ and seat width was tight. Fortunately both flights I took were light loads so I had two seats to myself.
The speed, service and uniqueness were what made it special.
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