American Airlines has put down deposits on 20 supersonic jets from startup aerospace company Boom Supersonic that could fly as fast as 1,300 miles an hour.
American and Denver-based Boom Supersonic announced the deal Tuesday, saying the airline has put nonrefundable deposits on 20 of Boom’s new Overture aircraft and placed options for 40 more.
American didn’t say how much it paid for the supersonic jets, but it did say that Boom must meet “industry standard operating, performance and safety requirements” along with other conditions. Airlines such as American are hoping supersonic jets can make international travel more appealing. Under current rules, planes must stay below the speed of sound while traveling over land but can use supersonic speeds over oceans.
