The Stagnation of Aviation Innovation: Why Supersonic Travel Hasn't Returned Since Concorde
By
noleary
An everything bagel for the brain. Substantive, layered, well-seasoned.
Summary
The article laments the stagnation in aviation innovation since the Concorde era, noting that while planes have become safer, they've also become slower. The author shares a personal experience of a 24-hour trip from Abu Dhabi to LA that could theoretically be reduced to under 10 hours with existing technology. The piece identifies three main barriers to supersonic travel revival: noise concerns, regulatory hurdles, and high costs. The article appears to be part of a series or newsletter format addressing technological progress and innovation, with a focus on aviation advancements.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledOnly 66 years separate these two photos: But in the 56 years since Concorde debuted, aviation innovation has been stuck in a rut.
Planes have gotten safer but slower. The fastest commercial passenger jet currently operating, the Boeing 747-8, flies half as fast as the Concorde.
I felt the pain personally on my recent trip from Abu Dhabi to LA. 24 hours door-to-door. We have the technology to reduce that to under 10. Why don't we?
Three reasons: noise, regulation and cost.
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