Boom Supersonic Debuts at NBAA-BACE, Hints at Future Business Jet
Could a supersonic business jet be on the horizon? While Boom Supersonic insists it isn’t entering the private jet market—at least not yet—the company’s debut at this year’s NBAA-BACE (National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition) has certainly sparked conversation across the industry.
The Colorado-based startup, best known for developing its boomless Overture supersonic airliner, aims to roll out the aircraft’s first prototype in 2026, begin flight testing in 2027, and achieve FAA type certification by 2030. Boom’s smaller XB-1 demonstrator has already proven the company’s “boomless cruise” concept by breaking the sound barrier six times during recent flight tests without generating an audible sonic boom on the ground.
According to Boom, the Overture will carry 60 to 80 passengers, offering flight speeds up to 50% faster over land and twice as fast over water compared to current commercial airliners. “The XB-1’s demonstration of a practical solution for sonic booms has already influenced the regulatory landscape for supersonic travel,” a company spokesperson told AIN.
The timing of Boom’s appearance at NBAA-BACE coincides with a major policy shift: a U.S. executive order signed in June directs the FAA to lift the 52-year ban on supersonic flight over land and to develop new noise certification standards. “Lifting the ban will drive innovation in supersonic travel, not just for commercial aircraft but also for business jets focused on overland routes,” Boom’s spokesperson said.
While Boom maintains its focus on commercial airliners, the company hinted at its willingness to license its proprietary ‘boomless cruise’ technology—including its in-house Symphony turbofan engines—to any manufacturer interested in developing a supersonic business jet. “We hope someone takes that step,” the spokesperson added. “If not, we’d consider entering the market ourselves once Overture is in service.”
Development of the Symphony engine is well underway at Boom’s new Colorado Air and Space Port facility, where core engine tests are expected to begin by early 2026. More than half of the components for the first full-scale engine are already in production.
“Our priority remains building Overture 1, the first in a family of aircraft designed to meet the global demand for faster, more sustainable travel,” Boom said. “As demand grows and fares decline, future iterations of Overture will evolve to serve new markets—including, potentially, business aviation.”
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Boom+Supersonic, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/aircraft-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com