Will reducing the time for overseas flights boost international travel? It is too early to say, as airplanes projected to travel at supersonic speeds are still in production. However, after a dismal year for international travel, people in the travel industry can dream.
“For decades, the trend for international travel to the U.S. has been increased time and hassle—increased flight delays and cancellations, increased wait times for Customs, increased wait times to get a visa,” said Erik Hansen, vice president for government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, in an interview. “Research has consistently shown that increased wait times and hassle discourage international travel and often put the US at a competitive disadvantage. Boom is a technology that would disrupt this trend and make international travel to the U.S. more efficient. It would undoubtedly increase demand for travel to the United States.”
Boom Supersonic received increased visibility with the news that United Airlines had ordered planes.