A United Airlines executive voiced support for Denver-based startup Boom Supersonic on Thursday, seemingly going beyond the carrier’s previous statements on the aircraft maker.
Speaking at an investor conference, where an analyst asked for an update on the carrier’s investment in supersonic and electronic vertical takeoff and landing companies, United Chief Financial Officer Michael Leskinen cited some EVTOL companies and then discussed the supersonic sector.
“There’s a real demand for supersonic across the North Atlantic for sure,” he said. “The economics of that are tougher. Blake Scholl at Boom has done some amazing things to drive that forward, and we’re excited about it. There’s no question. it would be a product our customers, if we can deliver to them at the right price would be very, very excited.”
Scholl is founder and CEO of Boom, which plans to manufacture its Overture aircraft at a plant at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. It could fly as early as the current decade.
American, United and Japan Air Lines have all placed preliminary orders for aircraft. In a 2024 interview, Scholl said the three have made “meaningful non-refundable deposits,” but would not disclose the amounts. He also acknowledged that “Anything is cancellable.”
United said in 2021 that it “will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery.” It has not updated the statement.
Credits: United Airlines
