Supersonic aircraft are on track for a revival following a milestone decision by the United States to lift a 50-year ban. The Trump administration asserts that advancements in technology now allow planes to travel faster than the speed of sound without creating disruptive sonic booms.
Since 1973, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prohibited civil aircraft from exceeding Mach 1 speed over US territory to prevent sonic booms. The Department of Transportation plans to replace this ban with a noise threshold, permitting supersonic flight over land as long as noise levels are kept within specified limits.
A recent announcement by the FAA confirms that the agency aims to establish new rules by mid-2027. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that modern technological innovations will mitigate the impact of sonic booms, allowing for the potential repeal of the longstanding ban on supersonic flights over the US while minimizing noise disturbances to communities and airports.
In the past, aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound generated loud shock waves that caused disruptions and complaints. The FAA’s 1973 ruling, made due to technological constraints at the time, aimed to shield the public from the effects of sonic booms.
Notably, several American companies are developing advanced supersonic passenger jets with reduced sonic boom levels and improved fuel efficiency. Boom Supersonic, based in Colorado, has secured orders from major airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines for its Overture aircraft. Similarly, Spike Aerospace, headquartered in Atlanta, is designing Diplomat jets capable of carrying up to 18 passengers, offering faster transatlantic travel experiences.
These initiatives signal a new era in supersonic aviation, promising quieter flights and shorter travel times for passengers.
