Supersonic-Jet Builder Dreams of Faster Flights—at 3,000 MPH
Commercial flying at the speed of sound is closer to a comeback as rivals position themselves for the next era.
According to Aerion, its AS2 supersonic aircraft will cruise at Mach 1.4, allowing for a New York-to-London flight in four hours.
Illustration: Aerion
As the second era of faster-than-sound air travel nears, one of the niche industry’s pioneering players is looking further into the future—toward flights that are even faster.
Aerion Corp., the supersonic jet builder founded by Texas billionaire Robert Bass, plans to deliver its first AS2 business jet in 2027, with top speeds of 1.4 times the speed of sound, or about 1,074 mph (1,728 kph)—roughly double that of traditional commercial aircraft. Still, with rivals like Boom Technologies and others advancing their own supersonic plans, Aerion Chief Executive Officer Tom Vice is already anticipating the arrival of hypersonic travel.