United Airlines has become the first US carrier to place an order for new Supersonic aircraft from Boom, which will dramatically cut travel times around the world.

Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time.

United CEO, Scott Kirby, said among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours.

He said Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology.

Kirby said working with Boom is another component of United’s strategy to invest in innovative technologies that will build a more sustainable future of air travel.

“United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today’s advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes,” he said.

Boom Supersonic’s aircraft will also operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

“Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience,” Kirby said.

“Our mission has always been about connecting people and now working with Boom, we’ll be able to do that on an even greater scale.”

Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom’s Overture airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft.

Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.

“The world’s first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world,” said Blake Scholl, Boom Supersonic founder and CEO.

“United and Boom share a common purpose—to unite the world safely and sustainably.

“At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations.”