Dubai Airshow Aviation Boeing remains cautious on prospect of supersonic flight By Shruthi Nair November 15, 2023, 11:18 AM Neom Investment Fund – part of the Saudi giga-project Neom – has invested in US aircraft manufacturer Boom Supersonic, and Riyadh Air is also considering supersonic flight in its future projects. Saudi Arabian entities, it appears, are not fazed by the view of some industry experts that faster-than-sound flight poses unique difficulties. Supersonic a future option as Riyadh Air builds fleet Gulf’s thriving private jet industry uncowed by eco concerns Saudia close to signing order of 150-plus narrow-body jets Darren Hulst, commercial marketing vice-president at Boeing, told AGBI at the Dubai Airshow that environmental and cost concerns could limit the appeal of supersonic flight in a world that is “increasingly focused on sustainability”. Nonetheless, the Overture plane from Boom is optimised to run on sustainable aviation fuel, and its order book is filling up, which should give the Neom fund some confidence in its investment. Watch the full video for more from Boeing’s Darren Hulst and on supersonic flight. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
