United Airlines invests in startup Astro Mechanica amid renewed interest in supersonic flight

United already holds firm orders for 15 Boom Overture jets with options for 35 more. The airline joins American Airlines and Japan Airlines as one of the few carriers publicly committed to Boom’s new airliner project. In comparison to earlier supersonic jets like Concorde—which was known for its noise and fuel inefficiency—both Boom’s Symphony engine and Astro Mechanica’s Duality are being designed to be quieter and more efficient.

For United Airlines, involvement with Astro Mechanica provides both technological diversification and flexibility as the industry explores multiple pathways toward practical supersonic flight. “With the Boom Overture still years away, and dependent on regulatory, technological, and infrastructure shifts, having parallel developmental paths gives the airline optionality and access to emerging propulsion breakthroughs,” according to United’s announcement.

The investment signals United’s strategy of supporting innovation while building out future market potential for faster air travel within the US. By encouraging competition among developers of next-generation engines and aircraft, United aims to help make supersonic flight viable at business-class prices rather than only first-class rates—as was common during Concorde's era—and broaden route possibilities beyond traditional transatlantic journeys.

While financial details of the investment were not disclosed, United emphasized its ongoing commitment: “United's investment in Astro Mechanica signals United's commitment not just to supersonic aircraft, but also to helping develop a full market for supersonic airliners.”