Aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, has made a significant investment in a supersonic business jet start-up that hopes to slash trans-Atlantic journey times by three hours.
The world’s largest aerospace company announced it would be partnering with Aerion Supersonic as it looks to tap into rising demand for high-end aircraft that can reduce travel times.
Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight testing services for Aerion’s N43.2 billion ($120 million) supersonic business jet, which is slated for its first flight in 2023.
The jet, the Aerion AS2, can fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4, or about 1,000mph (1,610kph), 70 per cent faster than conventional business jets.
Aerion introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014 and unveiled the AS2’s GE Affinity engine design in 2018.
Both Boeing and Aerion, which is based in Reno, Nevada, and founded by billionaire businessman Robert Bass, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
Read more: Boeing, Aerion partner to deliver new supersonic jets
