Boeing invests in Aerion to bring supersonic business jet to market
Boeing has announced a partnership with Aerion, to develop Aerion’s supersonic business aircraft.
As part of the agreement, Boeing has made a “significant” investment in Aerion to accelerate technology development…
Boeing has announced a partnership with Aerion, to develop Aerion’s supersonic business aircraft.
As part of the agreement, Boeing has made a “significant” investment in Aerion to accelerate technology development and aircraft design, and unlock supersonic air travel for new markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight test resources to help bring Aerion’s AS2 supersonic business jet to market.
Taking off in 2023
The AS2 is designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 1.4 or approximately 1,000 miles per hour. With the ability to fly up to 70% faster than today’s business jets, the AS2 could save up to three hours on a transatlantic flight. Aerion says it will also meet environmental performance requirements.
The aircraft is slated for first flight in 2023.
Steve Nordlund, vice president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, said: “Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before. This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology.
“Through this partnership that combines Aerion’s supersonic expertise with Boeing’s global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”
Future flight
Tom Vice, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Aerion, commented: “The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight. Together with Boeing, we’re creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity’s productivity and potential.”
Aerion was founded in 2003 and introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014. The company unveiled the AS2’s GE Affinity engine design in 2018.
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