Qatar Airways interested in supersonic potential: Al Baker

Qatar Airways has expressed strong interest in the potential of supersonic flight, and would even be prepared to act as a launch customer. Start-up supersonic aircraft developer Boom Aerospace has been working on a programme for a small airliner, around 45 seats, capable of speeds of M2.2. Qatar Airways CE Akbar Al Baker, speaking during the delivery of the first Airbus A350-1000, said the carrier was "very interested" in supersonic flight, and referred to private efforts to create a new supersonic transport. "Qatar would be very interested to look at [such a project]," he said. "We wouldn't hesitate to be a launch customer." But he adds that any commitment would hinge on further analysis, particularly regarding the powerplant – pointing out that an engine manufacturer has not been identified. Al Baker says, however, that once such details were clear, Qatar would be interested in a "small number" of these aircraft.<br/>