China is moving forward with plans to bring back supersonic air travel. The country’s state-run Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is developing a new aircraft called the C949, a jet designed to fly at Mach 1.6. This speed is not as fast as the Concorde’s Mach 2.04, but the C949 is expected to travel farther and operate more quietly.

According to reports from Chinese media and the South China Morning Post, the C949 will have a range 50% greater than the Concorde, which was retired in 2003 due to high operating costs, noise restrictions, and safety concerns. The new jet aims to solve these problems with an innovative design that minimizes sonic booms, allowing it to fly over land without disturbing people on the ground.

A Quieter Supersonic Flight

One of the biggest issues with supersonic travel has been noise pollution. The Concorde was banned from flying over populated areas because of its loud sonic boom, a shockwave created when breaking the sound barrier. This is why it only flew transatlantic routes, such as New York to London and New York to Paris.

The C949, however, is being designed to reduce noise levels significantly. Reports suggest that its curved fuselage will weaken shockwaves, making the sonic boom much quieter. Engineers estimate that the noise level will be similar to a household hairdryer, which could allow flights over major land routes that were previously impossible for supersonic aircraft.

The technical details of the C949 were shared in an academic paper, but independent verification is still pending. COMAC and the journal that published the paper have not responded to requests for more information.

The Global Race for Supersonic Travel

China is not the only country working on supersonic passenger jets. Several companies and organizations around the world are developing aircraft that can fly faster than sound while reducing noise and environmental impact.

NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59

In the United States, NASA has partnered with Lockheed Martin to build the X-59, a supersonic jet designed to cruise at Mach 1.4 and fly at 55,000 feet. Unlike the Concorde, the X-59’s design prevents a loud sonic boom from reaching the ground. NASA says the noise from the jet will be no louder than a car door closing.

The X-59 recently completed a cruise control test, an important step before its first flight, which is scheduled for later this year. The project is part of NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) program, which aims to bring back faster air travel while reducing its impact on the environment and communities.

Boom Supersonic’s Overture

Another major player in supersonic aviation is Boom Supersonic, a U.S.-based company developing the Overture, a commercial supersonic jet expected to launch before 2030.

Boom’s prototype, the XB-1, has already achieved a speed of 1,207 km/h and an altitude of 35,000 feet in a successful test flight. Unlike past supersonic jets, the XB-1 is designed to avoid producing a sonic boom, which would allow it to fly over land.

Several major airlines have already invested in Boom’s technology. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have signed deals to purchase future supersonic aircraft, signaling strong interest in reviving fast air travel.

Europe’s Approach to Supersonic Innovation

While the European Union is not currently developing a commercial supersonic jet, it is funding research projects to address the environmental and noise impacts of future supersonic aircraft.

Programs like RUMBLE, SENECA, and MORE AND LESS are studying how to make supersonic travel more sustainable and socially acceptable. These projects are looking at new materials, alternative fuels, and improved aerodynamics to reduce the carbon footprint of faster-than-sound flights.

China’s Supersonic Future

China’s development of the C949 suggests that the country is serious about leading the next generation of aviation. While the jet is still in its early stages, its potential for longer range, lower noise, and greater efficiency makes it an important competitor in the global race for supersonic air travel.

If successful, the C949 could reshape international travel, allowing passengers to fly between major cities in half the time it takes today. With growing interest from the U.S., Europe, and private companies, the world may soon enter a new era of supersonic passenger flights.