Boom Supersonic is making waves in the aviation industry, with CEO Blake Scholl announcing a new factory in Colorado aimed at producing gas turbines for AI data centers. Scholl proclaimed “it’s time for a renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight,” but the company appears to be encountering turbulence as some early investors question the project’s timeline.

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines and one of Boom’s initial customers, has expressed skepticism regarding the company’s ambition to deliver the first Overture supersonic airliner by 2029. During an appearance on the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast on October 28, 2026, Kirby candidly shared his concerns. “’29 is their official timeline,” he stated. “It’s not going to happen in ‘29—it’s going to take longer.”

Boom garnered attention in 2024 and 2025 when it successfully flew its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft, showcasing a “boomless cruise” technology. This innovative concept takes advantage of the Mach cutoff phenomenon, allowing aircraft to exceed supersonic speeds at elevated altitudes under certain atmospheric conditions. The goal is to redirect shockwaves upwards, minimizing noise pollution on the ground.

The push for supersonic travel received backing from the Trump administration, which sought to ease regulatory restrictions. In June 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a rule to lift the longstanding prohibition on commercial supersonic flights over U.S. cities, a move that followed an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

Boom’s official communications have outlined plans to achieve aircraft certification and welcome its first paying customers by 2029. The company has conditional agreements with major airlines, including American Airlines and Japan Airlines, which involve non-refundable deposits to secure eventual purchases of the Overture aircraft once it is commercially available.