DENVER, May 19, 2022 — Founder and Chief Executive Officer Blake Scholl of Boom Supersonic, the company building the world’s fastest and most sustainable supersonic airliner, testified before the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development during a hearing entitled “Moving Upwards and Onwards: The Workforce and Innovation Needs of the Aviation and Aerospace Industry.”
Scholl’s testimony highlighted the resurgence of innovation and opportunity in U.S. aerospace, noting that small businesses and startups are critical drivers of step-change innovation. In a world where airplanes are flying at the same speeds as they were more than sixty years ago, Boom is focusing on the safe, sustainable return of supersonic commercial flight. The company is committed to inspiring a new generation of talent to build a faster future for aviation, propelling economic growth and accelerating the clean-energy revolution.
“Faster flight is possible thanks to a revolution in clean energy,” said Scholl. “Just as new forms of energy helped us move from sail to steam and railroads to airplanes, in this coming decade alternative fuels will power the transition to sustainable supersonic flight.”
Overture, Boom’s supersonic commercial airliner, is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The Denver-based company will build Overture in its LEED certified Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina. As Boom continues to grow, it will create thousands of U.S. manufacturing and engineering jobs this decade.
Scholl also highlighted the Small Business Innovation Research program as an example of how new companies like Boom can contribute to defense priorities while accelerating technological progress. Boom currently has two SBIR contracts with the United States Air Force, which propel research and development of Overture as the company aims to be a serious competitor for the Air Force’s enduring commercial derivative aircraft requirements – only twice as fast.
“The U.S. has long been the global leader in aerospace, and at Boom we are determined to see the U.S. remain at the forefront,” said Scholl. “The supersonic future will be built here in the United States, leveraging the formidable talent, entrepreneurial spirit and tradition of innovation in our workforce. It takes new entrants like Boom to change the fundamental paradigm of aviation, improve both speed and sustainability, and attract new talent to the industry.”
To view a recording of the hearing, visit: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=4253
About Boom Supersonic
Boom Supersonic is redefining commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom’s historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will be net-zero carbon, capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets. Overture’s order book, including purchases and options, stands at 70 aircraft, and Boom is working with the United States Air Force for government applications of Overture. Named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2021, the Boom XB-1 demonstrator aircraft rolled out in 2020, and its carbon neutral flight test program is underway. The company is backed by world-class investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, Prime Movers Lab, Emerson Collective and American Express Ventures. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.
Connect with Boom Supersonic on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Media Contact
Boom Supersonic: Aubrey Scanlan, press@boomsupersonic.com