Despite a strong mutual admiration between United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Boom Supersonic chief executive Blake Scholl, Kirby has publicly stated that the ambitious supersonic aircraft manufacturer will miss its targeted delivery window for the current decade.

Timeline Doubts and Certification Hurdles

While Boom has historically projected that its flagship Overture supersonic airliner would take flight by 2029, Kirby offered a more conservative outlook during an interview on the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast. Speaking with host Monica Langley in Denver, the airline chief remarked that the timeline will inevitably stretch further out.

Although United stands as a prominent launch customer alongside conditional commitments from American Airlines and Japan Airlines, success is far from guaranteed. Kirby emphasized that the venture must navigate rigorous regulatory pathways, noting that numerous significant obstacles remain.

Manufacturing Plans and Diversification

Boom has established plans to construct its Overture aircraft at a dedicated manufacturing facility situated at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. Meanwhile, the startup has also demonstrated adaptability by exploring alternative applications for its technology, including developing turbines suited for data centers that leverage the intense heat generated by supersonic engine designs.

The Debate Over Supersonic Viability

The broader aviation sector remains deeply divided regarding the commercial future of the Overture project. Defending his vision against industry skeptics, Scholl previously highlighted milestones achieved since the retirement of the Concorde in 2003, such as flying the first independently developed supersonic jet and successfully advocating for modernized regulations in the United States.

Much tough work remains—but we’re proud of what our team has accomplished, and we’re never giving up.

— Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic