Denver-based Boom Supersonic has found a valuable new partner in its quest to make supersonic commercial flight a reality, as the company this week announced a strategic investment from Japan Airlines. Specifically, JAL is pitching in $10 million to help Boom develop its Mach-2.2 airliner, but the partnership also allows the airline’s leadership to offer Boom’s visionaries decades of industry experience.
The partnership is only news to the public, however, as the two companies are already very familiar with each other.
“We’ve been working with Japan Airlines behind the scenes for over a year now,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. “JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers. Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet.”
In addition to a strong emphasis on the passenger experience, JAL is working with the company on refining the aircraft design. Boom officials previously announced in March they were ready to begin developing a supersonic demonstrator, following a successful round of funding that totaled $33 million.
At the Paris Air Show in June,
76 firm aircraft orders, and this partnership gives JAL the opportunity to pre-order up to 20 aircraft. “We are very proud to be working with Boom on the possible advancement in the commercial aviation industry,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the future of supersonic travel with the intent of providing more
to our valued passengers while emphasizing flight safety.”
Boom’s supersonic aircraft will offer a maximum range of 5,178 miles for 45-55 passengers in a business class setting. Entry into service is still slated for the mid-2020s.
