Background
Boom Supersonic is developing the Overture, a supersonic passenger aircraft designed to carry 65-80 passengers at Mach 1.7 (approximately 1,050 mph). The company has already secured orders from major airlines including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Their XB-1 prototype has completed several successful test flights, validating critical systems and aerodynamics.
Resolution Criteria
This market will resolve YES if commercial supersonic passenger flights (carrying paying customers) begin regular service by December 31, 2030. Test flights, demonstration flights, or charter flights do not count - the service must be available for regular commercial bookings.
The market will resolve NO if:
Commercial supersonic passenger flights do not begin by December 31, 2030
The Boom Overture or similar supersonic aircraft projects are cancelled or indefinitely delayed
Only test/demonstration flights occur by the deadline
Considerations
Current regulations prohibit supersonic flights over land due to sonic booms, limiting initial routes to over-water travel
The project faces significant technical challenges, including fuel efficiency and the need for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
The last commercial supersonic passenger service, the Concorde, was retired in 2003
While 2030 is the target date, aerospace projects often face delays due to technical, regulatory, or financial challenges