Shanghai has never been closer…
Despite coy reporting, Boom Supersonic gained an estimated $40 million investment yesterday, further signaling that the supersonic revolution is real. Boom’s newest investment came not from an aspiring airline, or eccentric billionaire like Richard Branson, but from CTrip the Chinese online travel conglomerate. The company is keenly interested in the prospects of bringing supersonic flight to China, and with extra money in the Boom Supersonic tank – it may be coming sooner than expected…
Investment Boom
Boom Supersonic has received landmark investment from CTrip, Japan Airlines and Richard Branson’s The Virgin Group. Total investment in Boom Supersonic now sits at $85 million. The additional newly acquired funds are rumored to help accelerate development of the Boom XB-1 prototype aircraft. CTrip, the Chinese online travel company and Boom’s newest investor, sees the major investment as a powerful strategic partnership for the future. The move is rumored to help move jet orders, thanks to CTrip’s robust network of Chinese airline and travel partners. Boom’s jets are expected to hold between 45-55 passengers. The investment is rumored to nearly double funds raised by Boom thus far. Speaking to TechNode, CTrip said…
“Such strategic investment offers a wealth of opportunities for both companies. Ctrip makes investments in the future so that we remain at the forefront of providing top services for our users. The future that the Chinese market holds is positive and we hope that from this investment and collaboration with Boom, they could help us to discuss arranging 10-15 seats in one of the first supersonic flights”
Supersonic Possibilities
Boom Aerospace promises an aircraft faster than Concorde. At speeds of 1,451mph or Mach 2.2, the jet would become the fastest civilian aircraft in history. From CTrip’s angle, flights between the US and mainland China would be reduced to a mere 6 hours from many of the world’s most popular gateways thus reducing potential transit time by up to two days on a standard round trip. This would offer a powerful competitive advantage for business travelers in markets all over the world, especially in a globalized economy. And don’t worry – these seats won’t be anything like Concorde. Have you seen the proposed seats? The XB-1 prototype is expected to begin flight in 2019, with tentative launch dates for airline flights set for 2023. The Virgin Group and Japan Airlines have the rights to the first 30 or so aircraft.
Way cool. I would love to leave NYC in the AM and get to LHR in time for High Tea.