Aerion AS2

One of several supersonic jet concepts aiming to fill the gap in high-speed commercial travel has been void since Concorde’s last flight in 2003. The Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet is planned to go into production in 2023.

The supersonic AS2 promises a range of 4,200 nautical miles at Mach 1.4, or over 1,000 miles per hour.

Aerion says it has over $10 billion in orders for the AS2. List price is $120 million, and about half of the fast private jets are designated for jet sharing companies. Flexjet was the launch fleet customer in 2015 with an order for 20 AS2s, and more recently, NetJets said it has negotiated options for 20 of the supersonic private jet.

According to JetNetIQ, at least three speed of sound breaking jet types are likely to make it to market.

Boom Overture’s Boom Supersonic jet will seat 55 passengers and has attracted support from Japan Air Lines and Virgin Group. The AS2, however, is fully targeted at the private aviation market, with seating for between 8 and 12 passengers.

Aerion says there is a market for over 300 supersonic private jets. The company has been working on the concept since 2002.

The AS2’s GE engines will use 100% sustainable aviation fuel which can reduce CO2 output by 85%

On May 21, 2021, Aerion was telling customers it was returning deposits and ceasing operations. The company issued a statement that is was taking appropriate actions in light of its inability to raise sufficient funding.

Range

Supersonic Range: 4,200 nautical miles

Subsonic Range: 5,400 nautical miles

Speed

Supersonic Cruising Speed: Mach 1.4

Subsonic Cruising Speed: Mach 0.95

Baggage Space

There will be a large aft space for baggage accessible from the passenger cabin