NASA explores commercial supersonic air travel

Currently flights travelling between USA and UK currently travel at a speed of 600 miles per hour taking around 8 hours to reach the destination. 

NASA had initiated research in the domain of creating aircraft that minimises the sound of the sonic boom. X-59 was an outcome of the research, which was jointly developed with Lockheed Martin. X-59 can travel at altitudes above 55,000 feet with a speed of 937 miles per hour and at the same keeping sound emissions under control. It should be noted that the speed of sound is 767.2 miles per hour. 

This would be put to test in 2024 across various cities in the USA. The feedback this test receives would go on to inform policy with regard to aviation in the future. The possibility to have flights that travel at supersonic speed and are also used for commercial purposes. Boeing and Rolls Royce have been roped in for mapping out the plan to bring this idea into action. 

A similar trial was also conducted in 1996 with Concorde that travelled between New York and London in around 173 minutes. However it was closed after a period of 7 years owing to very high maintenance costs and low demand.