Japan Airlines has announced a $10 million investment in Boom Supersonic, which also gives it an option to order 20 of the new-generation supersonic jets the firm plans to develop.
Boom says the two companies have been working behind the scenes for over a year, and that the Oneworld carrier will help to refine the design of the supersonic aircraft, which aims to fly at Mach 2.2 and carry 55 passengers.
“We are very proud to be working with Boom on the advancement in the commercial aviation industry. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the future of supersonic travel with the intent of providing more 'time' to our valued passengers while emphasising flight safety," says JAL president Yoshiharu Ueki.
“We're thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers,” says Boom’s founder and chief executive Blake Scholl.
“Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline's fleet."
Boom is starting initial construction of its XB-1 technology demonstrator, which is expected to make its first flight next year. Thereafter, its commercial aircraft is expected to commence passenger flights in the early 2020s.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
