NetJets signs MOU for 20 Aerion AS2s

Aerion and NetJets announced that both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which both companies will work together on developing the AS2 supersonic businessjet and a global mobility network. NetJets, the largest private aircraft company in the world, also secured twenty purchase rights on the new aircraft.

Aerion was established in 2003 by a Texan billionaire with the aim to commercialize supersonic aviation technology. In 2004 it unveiled plans to launch the Aerion SBJ, a businessjet that would be able to fly up to twelve passengers over a distance of 7,400 km at a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. A single aircraft would cost 80 million USD and the company booked 50 commitments for the aircraft.

By 2014, Aerion the company has invested more than 100 million USD on technical development when it announced that it was planning to redesign the aircraft. The AS2 was born, which would have a larger cabin and more range. As it looks now, the aircraft will be powered by three GE Affinity turbofans, seat up to eleven passengers and can fly as far as 7,800 km at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4.

Aerion has over the years worked together with Airbus, NASA and Lockheed Martin on the development. However, in 2019, Boeing announced an investment in Aerion, which will support the company with engineering, manufacturing and flight testing resources. The goal is to start production of five test AS2s between 2023 and 2025, which will be done at the company's facility at Melbourne (FL). According to Aerion, the company has 300 commitments to the new businessjet.

Aerion is not the only new company looking into developing new supersonic aircraft. Boom is working on an aircraft called the Overture, which will be produced in two variants, a VIP-jet and a 88-seat passenger version.

Illustration by Aerion.