Trump Administration Fast-Tracks Supersonic Travel with Executive Order
In a move poised to revolutionize air travel, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday, directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lift the 52-year ban on supersonic flight over U.S. soil. This landmark decision aims to usher in a new era of faster-than-sound commercial air travel, potentially shrinking cross-country flight times significantly.
The executive order mandates the FAA to eliminate the overland supersonic ban and establish noise-based certification standards. This will allow supersonic flight, provided that no audible sonic boom reaches the ground, balancing speed with environmental concerns.
Michael Kratsios, then the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasized the potential impact, stating, “The reality is that Americans should be able to fly from New York to LA in under four hours.” This vision reflects the administration’s focus on innovation and reducing travel times.
The policy shift could significantly accelerate the development of commercial supersonic flight, benefiting companies like Boom Supersonic, which are pioneering in this field. In January, Boom’s XB-1 demonstrator made history as the first privately developed civil aircraft to surpass the sound barrier over the continental U.S.
Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl responded to the news with enthusiasm, stating, “The sound barrier was never physical — it was regulatory. With supersonic legalized, the return of supersonic passenger air travel is just a matter of time.” This sentiment captures the transformative potential of the policy change.
Beyond supersonic travel, President Trump also signed two additional executive orders related to the future of flight. These orders focus on expediting the commercialization of drones and electric vertical takeoff vehicles (eVTOLs), and establishing a federal task force to address drone flight restrictions. These actions underscore a broader commitment to fostering innovation in the aviation industry.
Together, these executive orders represent a comprehensive effort to modernize and advance American airspace, encouraging innovation in both traditional and emerging aviation technologies. By addressing regulatory hurdles and promoting technological advancements, the Trump administration sought to position the U.S. as a leader in the future of flight.
These series of actions have a great impact in aviation industry and open many doors for innovation.
