Boom Supersonic managed to make a supersonic flight of its experimental aircraft XB-1 on January 28. This milestone took an important step toward restoring commercial supersonic passenger transportation.

Boom Supersonic aims to bring supersonic air travel back into the commercial realm by offering high-speed flights. Nevertheless, this technology has its drawbacks: the high cost of operation and loud sonic booms remain the main obstacles to widespread adoption. However, the company is confident that modern technology can make supersonic flights more environmentally friendly and affordable.

The first flight of the XB-1 took place in March 2024, followed by a series of test flights. Gradually the aircraft gained altitude and speed, preparing for the supersonic limit. Although Boom is slightly behind schedule, reaching this milestone in early 2025 is still a significant breakthrough.
Live flight
The historic flight took place live on YouTube. The 19-meter-long XB-1 experimental aircraft, which broke the sound barrier three times during a test flight, serves as a technology demonstrator for the future Overture passenger liner, scheduled to debut in 2029.
Overture will be optimized to use sustainable aviation fuel, but the economic feasibility of this model has yet to be proven. In addition, reducing the impact of sound hits on the environment and the inhabitants of the earth remains an important issue.
Hope for the return of supersonic flight
Commercial supersonic flights were last performed in the 2000s when Concorde ceased operations. Since 1973, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has banned supersonic flights over land due to powerful sonic booms. The speed of sound is about 1,234 km/h (Mach 1), and breaking this barrier is accompanied by a strong acoustic impact.
Boom Supersonic isn’t the only company working on this technology. NASA is developing the X-59, which is supposed to reduce the sonic boom by making it similar to a light thump. If the tests confirm the technology’s effectiveness, it could lead to a reconsideration of regulatory restrictions on supersonic flights over land.

Collaboration between private companies and space agencies could be the key to reviving supersonic commercial transportation. If Boom and other players can overcome the challenges of economic viability and environmental safety, the future of aviation could change forever.
We previously reported on how the Mk-II Aurora rocketplane prepared to break the record of the MiG-25 and SR-71.
According to boomsupersonic.com