News
JAL pre-orders 20 Boom Supersonic jets
December 8th 2017
Japan Airlines (JAL) made a surprise US$10 million investment in Boom Supersonic, the Denver-based company that aims to develop a supersonic airliner travelling at Mach 2.2 that could hit the market as early as the mid-2020s. Read More » As part of the deal, JAL has the option to purchase up to 20 Boom aircraft “through a pre-order arrangement”.
Boom’s planned supersonic aircraft would reduce flights times by more than 50%, much like the Concorde did before it was withdrawn from service in 2003. JAL is the first end-user to invest in the project.
Boom’s supersonic aircraft will have a range of 8,334kms, the firm said. JAL said the airliner could be fitted with 45-55 business class seats.
The Japanese airline is working with Boom’s engineers to refine the aircraft design and help define the passenger experience for supersonic travel.
“We’ve been working with Japan Airlines behind the scenes for over a year now,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers. Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet,” Scholl added.
Boom says it has now secured 76 commitments for the supersonic jet – 20 from JAL, ten from Virgin Group and 46 from three unidentified airline customers.
