EP 140: Blake Scholl (Founder and CEO, Boom Supersonic) on Why Supersonic Flight Failed & How Boom is Bringing it Back
Apr 25, 2025
auto_awesome
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, is on a mission to revive commercial supersonic flight twice as fast as current jets. He discusses the failures of the Concorde and the stagnation in aviation innovation led by traditional management. Blake dives into regulatory challenges, the importance of diverse talent, and the innovative technologies behind 'boomless' flight. With a goal to transform air travel by 2029, he emphasizes the need for a resilient manufacturing sector and a collaborative approach with regulators to overcome obstacles in the aerospace industry.
The rise and fall of the Concorde highlights the crucial misalignment between technological ambition and sustainable economic viability in aviation.
Regulatory barriers established in the 1970s have severely hindered the development of supersonic flight, particularly over land due to sonic boom restrictions.
Boom Supersonic aims to redefine air travel by targeting business-class passengers with innovative, economically viable designs that bypass existing regulatory constraints.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Supersonic Flight and Its Downfall
The history of aviation has seen remarkable advancements, much of which was highlighted by the introduction of the Concorde, which was ultimately unsuccessful as a viable commercial option. Concorde pioneered supersonic travel; however, it was limited by high ticket prices and a business model that proved unworkable in the long term, resulting in an aircraft often flying with half of its seats empty. The narrative suggests that the ambition behind the Concorde, similar to the Apollo space missions, demonstrated a significant technological leap but failed to translate into sustainable economic viability. This misalignment between technological achievement and practicality sparked a decline in innovation in both aviation and space exploration, as subsequent developments became increasingly timid and cautious.
The Shift from Founder-led Innovation to Government Intervention
The transition from aviation companies led by founders to bureaucratic control has had profound implications for innovation within the industry. Initially, aviation flourished under the leadership of visionaries who prioritized customer needs and market feasibility. However, as governments intervened more extensively during the Cold War, a misalignment occurred, where national pride became a primary driver instead of commercial viability. This shift led to a focus on technologically impressive projects like the Concorde without a solid understanding of the necessary business models, ultimately stifling innovation and diminishing competition.
Regulatory Challenges and Their Impact on Supersonic Flight
The imposition of regulatory barriers has significantly hindered the potential for supersonic flight, particularly over land, where sonic booms have been deemed problematic. Regulations established in the 1970s effectively banned supersonic flights within the U.S., stemming from a protective stance towards established manufacturers like Boeing. This absence of a viable market for supersonic travel resulted in stagnation, as the industry was unable to explore smaller, quieter aircraft that could have bridged the gap. By maintaining a prohibition on sound barriers, the aviation sector lost out on potential innovations that could have kept pace with technological advances.
The Future of Supersonic Travel: Economic Viability and Demand
Emerging insights point toward a potentially lucrative future for supersonic travel, spurred on by a substantial market for commercial flights. Targeting business-class travelers who represent a majority of airline profits reveals that if properly structured, the economics could support swift flights at reasonable prices. The focus would be on developing an all-business-class airliner that fulfills the demand for transcontinental routes, effectively monetizing the time-sensitive needs of frequent flyers. Expanding on historical trends, the introduction of faster travel is predicted to amplify overall passenger demand, drawing parallels to the explosive growth in air travel following the advent of jet engines in the 1960s.
Technological Developments and Advancements in Aircraft Design
Technological innovation is crucial for the development of new supersonic aircraft, particularly in creating designs capable of operating within regulatory constraints without compromising performance. A focus on developing a supersonic aircraft that can fly over land without producing disruptive sonic booms hinges on advancements such as boomless flight technology, which relies on well-engineered jet engines and aerodynamic designs. Experience gained from prototypes like the XB-1 serves as a foundational step in achieving broader commercial applications. With a commitment to harnessing effective engineering practices, the aim is to unlock faster flight alternatives that are also economically sustainable.
Navigating Industry Dynamics and the Role of Startups
The aviation industry has historically favored established corporations, creating a challenging environment for startups eager to innovate. A significant barrier was identified in the traditional resistance to change within large companies, which often prioritize short-term profits over groundbreaking advancements. By actively seeking talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and emphasizing a startup culture of fast-paced innovation, new entrants can break through traditional barriers and develop the necessary aircraft for the future. Emphasizing a hands-on approach, startups are positioned to pivot quickly in response to market demands, with the potential to deliver tailored and economically viable flight solutions.
Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, is leading the boldest effort in decades to bring back commercial supersonic flight—this time with product-market fit.
We talk about what went wrong with the world’s first try at supersonic commercial aircraft (launched in the 70s), why Boeing hasn’t introduced a new plane in over a decade, and how Blake’s startup is building a jet that flies 2x faster than today’s aircraft—without the sonic boom. This episode is a crash course in engineering ambition, regulatory dysfunction, and what it takes to defy gravity and incumbents.
(00:00) Intro (00:40) The History and Evolution of Aviation (01:12) The Rise and Fall of Concorde (05:25) The Impact of Government and Founders on Innovation (08:57) Regulatory Challenges and Business Models (26:53) Boom's Vision for Supersonic Travel (47:10) Building Trust with Regulators (48:16) Challenges in the Aerospace Startup (49:36) Recruiting Talent from Unlikely Places (55:47) The Importance of Mission Success Events (01:01:52) Developing a Custom Jet Engine (01:22:54) Reindustrialization and Economic Strategy (01:34:42) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Logan Bartlett is a Software Investor at Redpoint Ventures - a Silicon Valley-based VC with $6B AUM and investments in Snowflake, DraftKings, Twilio, and Netflix. In each episode, Logan goes behind the scenes with world-class entrepreneurs and investors. If you're interested in the real inside baseball of tech, entrepreneurship, and start-up investing, tune in every Friday for new episodes.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
