U.S. Paves Way for Supersonic Flight Over Land, Looks to Lift 1973 Ban

Key Points

• The FAA proposed replacing the 1973 supersonic flight ban with a noise-based certification standard, aiming to enable jets that could fly New York to London in roughly three hours, with finalization targeted for mid-2027.
• The policy shift reflects the Trump administration’s broader agenda to accelerate certification of emerging aerospace technologies and strengthen U.S. industrial competitiveness and high-skilled jobs.
• Boom Supersonic leads the sector with orders from American, United, and Japan Airlines, planning business-class-only aircraft aimed at strong premium-travel demand—though Concorde’s failure highlights persistent cost, safety, and demand risks.

Summary

The Trump administration, via the FAA, has proposed a rule to lift the 53-year-old ban on supersonic flight over the continental U.S., replacing the blanket prohibition with a noise-based certification standard. The original 1973 ban stemmed from concerns about sonic boom noise and property damage, but the FAA argues that advances in aerospace engineering, materials science, and noise reduction have effectively eliminated the disruptive sonic boom. A second rule covering landing and takeoff noise standards is expected later this year, with both rules slated for finalization by mid-2027. The move aligns with the administration’s broader push to fast-track certification of emerging aerospace technologies, including flying taxis. Boom Supersonic—the leading player in the space, with orders from American, United, and Japan Airlines—has long criticized the ban and plans business-class-only aircraft betting on robust premium travel demand. While supersonic flight has precedent in the Concorde (1976–2003), that program was retired due to safety concerns, high operating costs, and weak demand—challenges that any revival will need to overcome.