Supersonic Flight Ban Lifted? New Bill Aims to Bring Concorde-Era Travel Back

Supersonic Flight Regulations Under Review by U.S. Lawmakers

A new bill, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, was presented to U.S. legislators on Wednesday. This legislation aims to update the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulations concerning supersonic flight, which have been in place for over five decades.

The proposed law seeks to lift the 52-year prohibition on supersonic aircraft flying over land within the United States. However, it stipulates a crucial condition: no discernible sonic boom should be audible on the ground.

Bipartisan Support and Key Sponsors

The bill has garnered support from both sides of the political aisle. Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina (R-NC), Representative Troy Nehls, who chairs the Aviation Subcommittee (R-TX), and Representative Sharice Davids from Kansas (D-KS) jointly introduced the legislation.

Advancements in Supersonic Technology

This legislative effort coincides with significant advancements being made by Boom Supersonic, a company based in Colorado. They are currently developing a new generation of supersonic aircraft.

In January, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft achieved a milestone. It became the first civilian aircraft developed by a private entity to surpass the speed of sound over the continental U.S.

State-Level Economic Interests

Several states stand to benefit from the bill’s potential enactment. North Carolina, for example, is home to Boom Supersonic’s new supersonic airliner factory located in Greensboro.

This facility was established following the receipt of over $100 million in state incentives in 2022. Boom Supersonic committed to generating more than 1,700 jobs in the state by the year 2030 as part of this agreement.

Texas also has a vested interest in the bill. The engines powering Boom’s Overture supersonic airliner are being manufactured in San Antonio. This production is a collaborative effort between Boom Supersonic and the aerospace firm, StandardAero.