The company building history’s fastest supersonic airliner announced that its XB-1 test program will be fully carbon neutral, through the use of sustainable aviation fuels and carbon offsetting. This makes Boom the first commercial airplane manufacturer to build sustainability into aircraft programs from the ground up.
“Since Boom’s founding, we’ve been on a mission to make the world dramatically more accessible,” said Scholl. “With our commitment to a carbon-neutral XB-1 test program, we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable supersonic future with Overture.”
More than 50 years of technological advancements enable Overture to be the fastest and most accessible supersonic airliner in history. Boom’s drive to integrate sustainability into every major company decision will make it the most eco-friendly, as well.
“As a new entrant in aerospace, Boom is making sustainability a core tenet of our aircraft development program,” said Boom Head of Sustainability Raymond Russell. “Thanks to today’s technology, supersonic travel is economically viable, and we are proud to ensure it’s environmentally friendly, as well.”
The XB-1 carbon-neutral test program is the latest of many examples revealing Boom’s drive to integrate sustainability:
In June 2019, Boom announced its partnership with Prometheus Fuels to supply carbon-neutral jet fuel during the XB-1 test program. Prometheus’ technology economically removes CO₂ from the air and uses clean electricity to turn it into jet fuel.
Alternative fuel testing for XB-1, completed in January 2019, ensured that the aircraft can operate at full performance when powered by low-carbon fuel.
In October 2019, Boom established a dedicated environmental and sustainability team. The team’s key focus is to manage sustainability partnerships and initiatives, including new opportunities for sustainability in aircraft design, sustainable aviation fuels, flight routing, and carbon offsetting.
Sustainability speaks to the core of Boom’s mission. “Our vision is to make Earth more accessible,” said Scholl. “It’s fundamental that we take great care of it, too.”
