Originally Posted by
11atsomto
I would think if sonic boom prohibition changes, their chances of success go up exponentially, as many possible city pairings emerge spawning more opportunites for sales. However if mostly flying transcon lets say....they will still need to fly slow enough to comply with STARS, or at least slow enough to allow for sequencing.
My support or lack there of notwhithstanding, the current transatlantic eastbound market is atleast 80% red eyes........and it makes sense right. Leave US east coast after work/dinner....rest well in comfort and luxury on the plane and arrive in CDG, LHR, FRA in time for the working day. Airlines will tell you that individuals and businesses are willing to pay many Amelican Dollah for da Businees class. Are the gains made by time going to justify the losses in comfort????
Think about it....lets say now you leave JFK at 7 or 8 AM, and now you BOOM away to LHR is only 2:40 .....YOU STILL lost most of that working day becuause despite your increased velocity it's still 14:40 or 15:40 because the UK is still 5 hours ahead of US East Coast. Now Transatlantic Westbound......I think they have a market there, people will pay for the time gained.
Once it's possible, the big spenders on corporate accounts are going to take it. How much money is being made in Polaris vs the cheap seats in back? How many new GS members to you snipe from AA/DL by offering the service? There are network effects to having it available (as United has found out to it's detriment from previously pulling out of the SFO-JFK routes).
That doesn't include the Asian markets. Think Apple alone can't fill a Boom going SFO to China? The operators of the Concord were European nations where there wasn't a gigantic overwater route to Asia available (plus the increased Asia business market). The US has two coasts where extra speed is a big benefit.
I initially thought Boom was just a PR stunt. I still think it is, but if it succeeds (a big if still) it'll be a game changer. Even better if the FAA changes the rules on overland supersonic flight.