Supersonic air travel expected to take flight over next decade

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 2, 2022

Insight summary

The dream of supersonic flight, dormant since the retirement of the Concorde, is being rekindled by advancements in technology and engineering. This resurgence, led by both private companies and government agencies, aims to overcome past challenges, such as excessive noise and high fuel consumption. The potential impacts of this trend include significantly reduced travel times, new business opportunities, and a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices in the aviation industry.

Supersonic flights context

The Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, stopped operations in the early 2000s, marking the end of an era in aviation. However, the dream of supersonic flight, which promises to cut travel times significantly, has not faded. Advancements in technology and engineering are paving the way for a new generation of supersonic aircraft. Companies leading this resurgence are optimistic that we could witness a resurgence of supersonic travel within the next ten years.

One such company is Boom, a US-based firm, which has plans to introduce a new supersonic aircraft. Their goal is to overcome the challenges that plagued the Concorde, such as excessive noise and high fuel consumption, which led to environmental concerns. The Concorde, while a marvel of its time, was known for its sonic boom - a loud noise produced when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound. 

In addition to private companies, government agencies are also showing interest in supersonic travel. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), for instance, has announced plans to launch a supersonic aircraft. This commitment from a prominent space agency underscores the potential of supersonic travel to reshape the aviation industry. 

Disruptive impact

The resurgence of supersonic flights could significantly reduce travel time. For instance, a flight from New York to London, which currently takes about seven hours, could be completed in less than four hours. This feat could be particularly beneficial for business travelers.

For companies, the reintroduction of supersonic flights could open up new business opportunities. Airlines could offer premium services for passengers for shorter travel times. Furthermore, the commitment of companies to operate net-zero carbon aircraft could set a new standard in the industry, encouraging other companies to invest in sustainable aviation technologies. This trend could lead to a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices in the aviation industry.

For governments, the return of supersonic could stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investment in the aviation sector. However, it could also pose regulatory challenges. Governments may need to establish new regulations to manage noise pollution and ensure the safety of supersonic flights. Furthermore, they would need to work with international partners to harmonize these regulations, as supersonic flights would likely cross multiple jurisdictions.

Implications of supersonic flights

Wider implications of supersonic air travel may include:

• Faster direct first-class and business travel routes.
• Novel logistics opportunities for high-value cargo.
• Faster reaction times to enable politicians, emergency specialists, and military personnel to be deployed into high-priority environments, e.g., protests, natural disasters, time-sensitive combat missions, etc.
• A more integrated world fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
• A further shift in the distribution of wealth, with premium services being accessible primarily to those who can afford the higher ticket prices.
• New international agreements to manage the cross-border impacts of supersonic flights leading to a more coordinated global approach to aviation regulation.
• Advancements in other sectors, such as materials science and renewable energy, leading to a broader technological transformation.
• Job creation in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and flight operations.
• A greater focus on environmental sustainability in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for other sectors to follow.

Questions to consider

• Will supersonic flights replace premium air travel completely?
• Would you invest in supersonic flight at least once, despite possibly higher ticket prices?