CHICAGO, IL — United Airlines Chief Financial Officer Michael Leskinen on Thursday expressed enthusiasm for Denver-based startup Boom Supersonic, signaling stronger support for the company’s supersonic aircraft than previous statements from the carrier.
Speaking at an investor conference, Leskinen highlighted demand for supersonic travel across the North Atlantic, acknowledging the challenges of the economics but praising Boom CEO Blake Scholl. “Blake Scholl at Boom has done some amazing things to drive that forward, and we’re excited about it,” Leskinen said. “There’s no question. It would be a product our customers, if we can deliver to them at the right price, would be very, very excited.”
Boom plans to manufacture its Overture aircraft at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, with flights potentially beginning later this decade. United previously announced in 2021 that it would purchase 15 of Boom’s Overture airliners, with an option for an additional 35, contingent on the aircraft meeting the airline’s safety, operational, and sustainability requirements. American Airlines and Japan Airlines have also placed preliminary orders.
Scholl, responding to the endorsement on Friday, said 2025 had been a landmark year for supersonic travel, with Boom demonstrating solutions to eliminate sonic booms and the U.S. government repealing its domestic supersonic ban. “We’re more energized than ever to partner with United and deliver supersonic to passengers—at a price point radically more affordable than Concorde ever was,” he said.
Despite industry skepticism about Boom’s ability to bring supersonic travel to market, the company has secured support from North Carolina officials, including grants of up to $87 million over 20 years tied to tax revenue and company investment, along with $107 million in state funding for infrastructure and hangar construction.
