CEO Blake Scholl declared that it was time for a renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight as the company unveiled the factory. According to the report, some early backers of both ventures have questioned the delivery timeline or backed out entirely. Kirby's remarks came during an interview with the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast that appeared on October 28, 2026.
Supersonic airliner timeline in doubt as Boom Supersonic shifts to powering AI data centres
United Airlines CEO says 2029 delivery will take longer
Boom Supersonic's Overture supersonic airliner faces an uncertain delivery timeline as the company unveils a Colorado factory for gas turbines powering AI data centres. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the 2029 target will not be met, while some early backers have reportedly backed out.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- Boom Supersonic's pivot raises questions about the future of its Overture airliner, a prominent private effort to revive supersonic commercial travel.
- The shift highlights the immense energy demands of the AI industry, competing for corporate focus and capital.
- A major customer publicly doubting the timeline could signal a broader lack of confidence in the company's delivery promises.
Background
Boom Supersonic was founded to develop the Overture supersonic airliner. The company had targeted a 2029 delivery date. In 2026, it announced a Colorado factory to build gas turbines for AI data centres.
Key Perspectives
Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic: presents the aircraft and data-centre power ventures as part of a shared "renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight". Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines: stated that the 2029 delivery timeline for the Overture is not achievable.
What to Watch
- Whether other airline customers or investors revise their expectations for the Overture.
- How Boom allocates resources between its aircraft programme and data-centre power business.
- The operational timeline for the new Colorado gas-turbine factory.
Sources
Checked
8 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedBoom Supersonic’s Overture delivery timeline is in doubt.Ars Technica - All content: “One of the company’s first customers, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, has expressed doubts about Boom’s original plan to deliver the first Overture supersonic airliner in 2029.”
- SupportedBoom Supersonic is shifting to powering AI data centres.Ars Technica - All content: “Supersonic airliner in doubt as company shifts to powering AI data centers.”
- SupportedUnited Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the 2029 delivery target will take longer to meet.Ars Technica - All content: ““It’s not going to happen in ‘29—it’s going to take longer.””
- SupportedBoom unveiled a Colorado factory for making gas turbines for AI data centres.Ars Technica - All content: “the supersonic airliner company unveiled a Colorado factory dedicated to making gas turbines for AI data centers.”
- SupportedSome early backers of the two ventures questioned the delivery timeline.Ars Technica - All content: “early backers for both ventures have questioned the company’s delivery timeline or backed out entirely.”
- SupportedSome early backers backed out entirely.Ars Technica - All content: “early backers for both ventures have questioned the company’s delivery timeline or backed out entirely.”
- SupportedCEO Blake Scholl said it was time for a renaissance in energy and supersonic flight.Ars Technica - All content: “Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl recently declared “it’s time for a renaissance in energy and in supersonic flight””
- SupportedKirby’s remarks came in an Office Hours: Business Edition podcast interview that appeared on October 28, 2026.Ars Technica - All content: “Kirby’s latest frank assessment came during an interview with the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast that appeared on October 28, 2026.”