The era of supersonic commercial flights came to an end when the Concorde completed its last trip between New York and London in 2003, but the allure of ultrafast air travel never quite died out. President Biden mused about supersonic flights when discussing his infrastructure plan in April. And on Thursday, United said it was ordering 15 jets that can travel faster than the speed of sound from Boom Supersonic, a start-up in Denver. The airline said it had an option to increase its order by up to 35 planes. Boom, which has raised $270m from venture capital firms and other investors, said it planned to introduce aircraft in 2025 and start flight tests in 2026. It expects the plane, which it calls the Overture, to carry passengers before the end of the decade. But the start-up’s plans have already slipped at least once, and it will have to overcome many obstacles, including securing approval from the FAA and regulators in other countries. The deal is United’s latest attempt to position itself as a risk taker shaking up an industry that is just getting back on its feet after a devastating pandemic. The airline announced a $20m investment in an electric air taxi start-up, Archer, in February, and it is working on a “steady drumbeat” of more such bets, said Michael Leskinen, who heads corporate development at United. “We are really confident in the future,” Leskinen said. “Aerospace takes a long time to innovate. And so if you don’t start setting these opportunities out now, you will have missed them.” Story has more.<br/>
star
United and a top aviation union on Thursday agreed upon a scheme for voluntary vaccination and record-keeping of the airline's flight attendants, as Americans gear up for a summer of vacation flights. The Association of Flight Attendants said in a statement it expects some countries to make it mandatory for flight crew to be vaccinated, and that maintaining vaccination records would allow United Airlines to meet such requirements efficiently. The voluntary program, which recognizes those who have already taken the jab, does not require flight attendants to be vaccinated, the union said. However, flight attendants who choose to take the vaccines through this voluntary program will receive up to three additional vacation days. Last month, United had reached a deal with its pilots' union that does not make the vaccine mandatory, but provides extra pay to those who receive it. The agreement also restricted unvaccinated pilots from working on trips to places that require vaccinations. <br/>
Air Canada just announced that it will operate COVID-tested flights to Rome from Toronto and Montreal, giving cooped up Canadians the chance to escape to Europe and experience a little la dolce vita this summer. The move also gives US travelers access to a broader selection of COVID-tested routes to Italy. Air Canada's COVID-tested flights to Italy are scheduled to take off starting July 2. Travelers will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of their departure from Canada. They'll also have to take another test upon landing in Italy, but will not be required to isolate or participate in health monitoring programs if they test negative. Passengers who test positive prior to departure won't be allowed to board. They will, however, be entitled to a refund — within two weeks — or voucher for future travel.<br/>