United CEO Sees Boom Overture Service Starting Later Than 2029

Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ CEO, said in an interview published October 28, 2026, that he does not expect Boom Supersonic’s Overture to enter passenger service in 2029 and expects the schedule to take longer. United could operate the aircraft if Boom succeeds with the program, Kirby said.

Key details

• United announced its conditional agreement with Boom in June 2021 for 15 Overture aircraft, with options for 35 more.
• The companies’ original targets called for an Overture rollout in 2025, first flight in 2026 and passenger service in 2029.
• Boom’s design targets include Mach 1.7 cruise speed, a range of 4,250 nautical miles and capacity for 60 to 80 passengers. These remain targets, not demonstrated operating results.
• Boom said it completed a prototype turbine core called Sprint Core on October 22, 2026. The company expects initial firing before the end of November.
• Boom says Sprint Core will support development of its Symphony aircraft engine and Superpower stationary turbine.

United agreed in 2021 to buy 15 Overture aircraft, with options for 35 more, subject to the aircraft meeting its requirements.

Why it matters

United’s conditional purchase agreement keeps a potential airline customer tied to Overture’s development, while Kirby’s comments place the original 2029 passenger-service target beyond the timeline he expects. The aircraft must meet United’s safety, operating and sustainability requirements for the planned purchases to proceed.