ICAO unveils new noise standards for commercial supersonic travel
After Boom’s XB-1 breaks sound barrier
In a landmark development for aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has introduced new noise standards for supersonic aircraft, significantly advancing the prospects of commercial supersonic travel.
The decision follows the successful test flights of Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft, which underline the momentum towards faster and quieter air travel.
During its Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) meeting in February 2025, ICAO agreed upon global noise standards tailored explicitly for supersonic aircraft. These standards stipulate that new supersonic aircraft designs must achieve landing and takeoff noise levels comparable to those of current subsonic airliners.
The regulations will apply to new aircraft designs starting in 2029, reflecting a concerted effort to balance technological advancements with environmental and community considerations.
Boom Supersonic, a frontrunner in supersonic travel innovation, has made significant strides with its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft. On January 28, 2025, the XB-1 broke the sound barrier thrice during its inaugural supersonic flight over the Mojave Desert in California. This achievement marked the first time a privately developed jet aircraft exceeded Mach 1, reigniting interest in supersonic commercial aviation.
Building on this success, the XB-1 completed its second supersonic flight on February 10, 2025, further validating Boom’s design and noise reduction strategies. These test flights demonstrated that supersonic speeds could be achieved without generating audible sonic booms at ground level, addressing a significant concern from the Concorde era.
Boom’s ultimate goal is the development of the Overture, a commercial supersonic aircraft designed to carry 64 to 80 passengers at speeds up to Mach 1.7. The company envisions reducing transatlantic flight times to approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Overture will feature advanced noise reduction technologies to mitigate environmental impact, including the Symphony engine—a medium bypass ratio turbofan designed to operate quietly—and a Variable Noise Reduction System that adjusts thrust to minimise noise during takeoff and landing.
Saudi funding boost
In late 2023, Boom received a strategic investment from the Saudi Arabia-based Neom Investment Fund (NIF), boosting its total funding to over $700 million.
As part of an agreement announced on October 24, 2023, Boom and NIF began collaborating on measures to significantly increase global travellers’ accessibility to the Arabian Gulf region through the power of supersonic flight, primarily with Boom’s Overture commercial supersonic aircraft.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has played a pivotal role in supporting the development of international standards for supersonic flight. In 2024, Congress passed bipartisan legislation directing the FAA to collaborate on establishing these standards, culminating in the recent agreement of ICAO.
However, current US regulations prohibit civil aircraft from exceeding Mach 1 over land. Boom advocates for updating these rules, citing advancements that allow supersonic speeds without disruptive sonic booms, aiming to unlock the full potential of supersonic travel.
The resurgence of supersonic travel is poised to stimulate economic growth, create high-paying jobs, and bolster the aerospace industry. Boom’s plans to construct the Overture at its super factory in Greensboro, North Carolina, are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and position the US as a leader in next-generation aviation technology.
Hero image: The XB-1 achieved its second supersonic flight on February 10, 2025. Credit: Boom Supersonic
