Boeing has entered into a partnership with Reno, Nevada-based Aerion, the developer of the AS2 supersonic business jet. As part of the agreement, Boeing has made a significant investment in Aerion to accelerate technology development and aircraft design, and unlock supersonic air travel for new markets.

Boeing will provide engineering, manufacturing and flight test resources, as well as strategic vertical content, to bring Aerion's AS2 supersonic business jet to market. The AS2 is designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 1.4 or approximately 1,000 miles per hour. With the ability to fly up to 70 per cent faster than today's business jets, the AS2 is expected to save approximately three hours on a transatlantic flight while meeting environmental performance requirements. Its first flight is slated for 2023.

“Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before,” says VP and general manager of Boeing NeXt Steve Nordlund. “This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology. Through this partnership that combines Aerion's supersonic expertise with our global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”

Founded in 2003, Aerion introduced its AS2 12-passenger business jet design in 2014, before unveiling the AS2's GE Affinity engine design and announcing Honeywell as its flight deck programme partner in 2018.

“We are the industry leader mapping out a successful, sustainable return to supersonic flight,” says Aerion chairman, president and CEO Tom Vice. “The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight. Together with Boeing, we're creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity's productivity and potential.”

Boeing NeXt is working with industry partners and regulatory agencies to lead the introduction of a new ‘mobility ecosystem’. The division's portfolio includes prototyping activities and programmes that will shape the future of urban, regional and global mobility, such as autonomous air vehicles and passenger-carrying hypersonic aircraft.