In 2003, the Concorde was making its last flight. Too expensive, too fuel-hungry... In short, has been at a time of superjumbos like the A380 despite its eminently glamorous side. Twenty years on, will supersonic aircraft come back into fashion? That's what Boom Technology with its X-B1 aircraft project. Its first test flight is due to take place next year in Denver, before an effective launch in 2023. Blake Scholl, CEO of the American company, took advantage of the Paris Air Show to reveal that 76 aircraft have been booked by five airlines. If their names remain secret, Virgin Galactic officially announced its interest in acquiring around ten aircraft. "As an innovator in the space sector, the decision to work with Boom was an easy one."explained Richard Bransonits emblematic CEO.
How could Boom Technology succeed where Concorde failed? Able to fly at Mach 2.2the all-business class aircraft 55 passengersthe equivalent of a standard business cabin. "One of Concorde's problems was that it offered more seats than it could fill at the expected price."explains Boom Technology. The X-B1's business model is based on optimised filling and controlled operating costs for airlines and 'reasonable' prices for travellers. Paris-New York in 3h30San Francisco-Tokyo in 5h30... It's clear that supersonic flights are still the stuff of dreams!
