Boom XB-1: what the supersonic demonstrator proved, and what comes next

It was a scaled experimental aircraft built to validate supersonic aerodynamics, composite structure and the powerplant. It first flew on 22 March 2024 and broke the sound barrier on 28 January 2025, reaching Mach 1.122.

Its job — reducing technical risk ahead of the full-size Overture — was done, and the aircraft was retired in February 2025. The programme's focus shifted to Boom's own Symphony engine.

A technology claimed by the company under which, on part of its supersonic runs, the sonic boom did not reach the ground: the shock wave refracts in the atmosphere through the Mach cutoff effect.

A supersonic airliner for 60–80 passengers cruising at Mach 1.7. First flight is planned for 2027 and certification by the end of the decade. The Symphony engine, rated at around 40,000 pounds of thrust, is designed to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

Saving time is the core value of a private flight, and a supersonic cruiser could double that effect on long sectors. US regulators have also begun moving from an outright overland supersonic ban towards noise-based rules. The risk is schedule: Boom is certifying both airframe and engine at once, each from scratch.

The standard path takes 6–10 weeks. Step 1: a letter of intent (LOI) with price and terms — 3–5 days. Step 2: a 5–10% deposit into escrow and signing of the purchase agreement. Step 3: a pre-purchase inspection — 1–3 weeks. Step 4: rectification of findings and price adjustment. Step 5: closing — simultaneous transfer of funds, title and risk, technical acceptance and ferry of the aircraft.

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is an independent check at a certified centre: airframe, engines, corrosion, records and compliance with airworthiness directives. It takes from 3 days on a turboprop to 2–3 weeks on a heavy jet and costs $15–100K — paid by the buyer. By market practice the seller pays to rectify airworthiness-affecting defects. A seller refusing a PPI is grounds to walk away.

The import budget depends on jurisdiction. In the EU the main items are any customs duty (most business-jet codes carry reduced or zero rates) and import VAT, which varies by country of entry (for example 19–22% in much of Europe). Registration in Aruba, San Marino or the Isle of Man under operation outside the EU allows a temporary-admission regime. We produce an exact calculation before the LOI is signed — an error here costs millions.

The standard is 24–48 hours before departure: that is enough to confirm the aircraft, crew and slots. For regular clients we arrange a domestic flight from 4–6 hours. International routes need 48–72 hours: overflight permits for some countries take 3–5 working days. On peak dates — Christmas, summer holidays, major forums — aircraft are booked out 2–3 weeks ahead, so plan early.

An empty leg is the ferry of an empty aircraft to its next job or home to base. Such segments sell at a 30–75% discount to the usual price: a flight that would cost $25K can come to $8–12K. The limits: the date and route are fixed to the aircraft's schedule, and if the main booking is cancelled the flight may shift. We publish current empty legs weekly — watch the listings.