On June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to repeal the 1973 ban on overland supersonic flights. This landmark decision aims to revitalize commercial supersonic travel, which has been grounded for over five decades due to concerns over disruptive sonic booms. The order mandates the FAA to establish new noise standards that consider community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility.
The original ban was instituted in response to public complaints about the loud sonic booms produced by supersonic aircraft, which were known to cause property damage and disturb communities. Under current regulations, only military aircraft are permitted to exceed the speed of sound over land, and even then, they are restricted to areas with relatively low population densities . This longstanding prohibition has effectively halted the development and operation of commercial supersonic flights within the United States.
Building on this success, Boom Supersonic is developing the Overture, a commercial supersonic airliner designed to cruise at speeds up to Mach 1.7. The Overture aims to reduce flight times significantly; for instance, a trip from New York to Paris could be completed in under four hours . The aircraft is expected to accommodate 64 to 80 passengers and is slated for its first test flight by 2027, with commercial operations anticipated to commence by 2029.
The executive order also emphasizes the importance of balancing technological innovation with environmental and community considerations. The FAA is tasked with developing noise standards that ensure supersonic flights are not only technologically feasible but also economically viable and socially acceptable . This approach aims to mitigate potential disruptions to communities while fostering the growth of the supersonic aviation industry.
Furthermore, the development of supersonic aircraft like the Overture presents opportunities for economic growth through job creation in aerospace manufacturing and related sectors. The establishment of manufacturing facilities, such as Boom Supersonic’s Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, is expected to contribute to local economies and reinforce the United States’ position as a leader in aerospace innovation.
The aviation industry has largely welcomed the executive order, viewing it as a significant step toward the reintroduction of commercial supersonic travel. Airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines have already placed orders for the Overture aircraft, signaling strong interest in the potential of supersonic flight . Additionally, partnerships with companies like Northrop Grumman indicate a growing recognition of the strategic and technological advantages of supersonic aviation.
As the FAA moves forward with the repeal process, the next 18 months will be critical in establishing the regulatory framework that will govern overland supersonic flights. The aviation community, policymakers, and the public will need to collaborate to ensure that the resurgence of supersonic travel aligns with broader goals of sustainability, equity, and community well-being.
President Trump’s executive order marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of air travel. By lifting the 1973 ban on overland supersonic flights, the United States is poised to reassert its leadership in aerospace innovation. With advancements in technology and a renewed focus on balancing speed with sustainability, the dream of high-speed, efficient air travel is becoming a reality once more
