Virgin Galactic signed a partnership with Boom in 2016, which expired four years later. Credit: Boom Supersonic
Sir Richard Branson has shelved plans to buy a fleet of planes nicknamed “the son of Concorde”, dashing hopes for a resurgence of supersonic travel.
Virgin Group allowed Boom Supersonic's option to buy aircraft to expire despite being often associated with a well-known American startup.
Sir Richard's space enterprise Virgin Galactic signed a partnership with Boom in 2016. It expired four years later, according to insiders.
Sources close to the group said that Boom never had a specific deal with Virgin Atlantic, the flagship business in which Sir Richard retains a majority stake.
< p>The Boom Overture aircraft is designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7, or about 1,300 miles per hour.
The company has entered into a deal with aerospace companies Leonardo, Aernnova and Aciturri to help build its aircraft with the goal of securing certification for commercial use by 2029.
However, the project is divided among aviation enthusiasts and the industry. observers. Supporters say there is a demand for supersonic travel.
The Boom Overture aircraft is designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7, or about 1,300 miles per hour. Photo: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg. Concorde.
United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines have pledged to place an order for 130 aircraft. Boom has raised around $150m (£117m) to date from venture capitalists and other investors.
Last month, Boom announced a rollout delay, with first flight pushed back to 2027 and commissioning scheduled for 2030. – both with a delay of a year.
The company is building a $500 million plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, with support from the US taxpayer.
Rolls-Royce was originally going to make engines for the Boom, but then pulled out, claiming supersonic flight. was “not a priority.”
Sources close to Virgin said this weekend that the group remains interested in developing high-speed, sustainable forms of air travel. Sir Richard and his team continue to monitor the development of Boom.
Boom announced a rollout delay last month, with first flight pushed back to 2027. Photo: Boom Supersonic
A spokesperson for Boom said, “Boom's commercial order book includes 130 aircraft, including orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines. The Virgin Group does not currently have a firm commitment to Boom. We look forward to continuing our discussions with their sustainable supersonic travel team.”
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is a strong supporter of Boom. He told reporters at a conference in Istanbul last month, “Concord is not 1950s technology.”
“I think it's doable. This is not a guarantee. This is not styling. It's not done yet. But it's doable. We have become a leader in all areas… and this is an opportunity to really help move the next generation forward, and if we can do it
“If they can get past the finish line, our customers will love it.”
A Rolls-Royce spokesperson said: “We have fulfilled our contract with Boom and conducted various engineering studies for their Overture supersonic program.”
“ After careful consideration, Rolls-Royce concluded that the market for supersonic commercial aviation is not a priority for us at this time and therefore we will not proceed with further work on the program at this time.”
Virgin Group, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways declined to comment.
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