Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl recently declared that “it’s time for a renaissance of supersonic energy and flight” as the supersonic aircraft company opened a factory in Colorado dedicated to making gas turbines for AI data centers. But Boom may be facing turbulence after early backers of both companies questioned the company’s delivery schedule or pulled out entirely.
One of the company’s early customers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, expressed doubt about Boom’s original plan to deliver the first Overture supersonic aircraft in 2029. Kirby’s latest candid assessment came during an interview with the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast that appeared on October 28, 2026.
“The 29th is their official schedule,” Kirby told podcast host Monica Langley. “It won’t happen in the 29th; it will take longer.”
Boom first made headlines for flying its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft in 2024 and 2025 to demonstrate a “boomless cruise” concept that takes advantage of the Mach shear phenomenon. Such a feat involves flying slightly beyond supersonic speeds at higher altitudes under specific atmospheric conditions, so that the plane’s shock waves are refracted upward and minimize the impact on the ground.
The company’s plan to revive supersonic air travel has been supported by the Trump administration through efforts to loosen regulations. In June 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a new rule reversing a long-standing ban on commercial supersonic flights over the United States, following an executive order by President Donald Trump.
Boom press releases have previously described achieving aircraft certification and carrying the first paying customers by 2029. The company has conditional agreements with American Airlines, Japan Airlines and United Airlines involving non-refundable deposits of unknown amounts that would allow the airlines to fully purchase the Overture aircraft once it becomes commercially available.
