Boom Supersonic's XB-1, the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet, successfully broke the sound barrier during a test flight over the Mojave Desert in California.
This marks a significant milestone for commercial supersonic aviation, as no new civilian supersonic aircraft have flown since the Concorde’s retirement in 2003. The company aims to revolutionize air travel by reducing flight times drastically. The XB-1 is a one-third scale demonstrator for Boom’s planned commercial supersonic jet, Overture, which is expected to enter service by the early 2030s. The aircraft reached speeds of Mach 1.1, proving its ability to sustain supersonic flight. Boom’s CEO, Blake Scholl, emphasized the importance of sustainable supersonic flight, as the company plans to power Overture with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Environmental concerns and regulatory challenges remain key hurdles, but the successful test flight has reinvigorated interest in high-speed commercial air travel. Aviation experts view this achievement as a potential game-changer, though critics caution about noise pollution, operating costs, and regulatory hurdles. Further testing will continue throughout 2025 before a full-scale prototype of the Overture is unveiled. This milestone flight represents a step toward bringing back supersonic travel for commercial passengers.