Key takeaways:

• The XB-1 from Boom Supersonic successfully broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.122 during a test flight over the Mojave Desert.
• This historic flight marks XB-1 as the first privately developed jet to achieve supersonic speeds.
• Plans are underway to develop a commercial airliner, Overture, which aims to serve passengers at Mach 1.7, significantly reducing travel times.
• 130 orders for the Overture have already been placed by major airlines, indicating strong interest in reviving supersonic travel.
• The success of XB-1 could pave the way for a sustainable and financially viable return to supersonic commercial aviation.

In a landmark achievement for aviation, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft soared through the skies over California's Mojave Desert, breaking the sound barrier for the first time in history for a privately developed civilian aircraft. The test flight, piloted by Tristan "Gepetto" Brandenburg, saw the aircraft accelerate to a remarkable Mach 1.122 during its 12th successful test flight, achieving speeds of approximately 750 miles per hour at an altitude of 35,290 feet, as detailed in reports from AP News and Reuters.

The achievement comes as Boom gears up to offer commercial supersonic air travel with its future airliner, named Overture, which is designed to carry 64-80 passengers at maximum speeds of Mach 1.7. The Overture promises to make transatlantic flights of around three and a half hours feasible again, positioning the company at the forefront of the new supersonic travel revolution, as noted by USA Today.

Boom Supersonic's founder and CEO, Blake Scholl, highlighted that the successful flight represents a shift in aviation technology that could facilitate faster, more efficient air travel. He expressed optimism about making supersonic flights accessible to a wider audience, stating that "the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived," which mirrors insights shared in Newsweek coverage.

The flight was livestreamed, captivating onlookers and showcasing the aircraft that is wholly made from carbon fiber materials, designed for better aerodynamics and efficiency. Built to tackle historical barriers seen with earlier supersonic jets like the Concorde, Boom faces the challenge of economic viability and environmental sustainability in its operations. Air travel has been criticized in the past for high operational costs and environmental impacts associated with sonic booms, both concerns that Boom aims to address through advanced designs and technologies, as stated by CNN.

With 130 pre-orders already secured from major airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines, Boom's potential to redefine air travel looks promising. As the company continues to work towards delivering Overture by the end of the decade, we may see the era of supersonic travel reborn.

For more information on this historic achievement, refer to the full stories on NPR and the other sources mentioned.