Miami to London in five hours? American Airlines buying planes that can do that

American Airlines on Tuesday announced an agreement to acquire up to 20 supersonic aircraft from Boom Supersonic that are expected to transport passengers across the Atlantic Ocean at twice the speed of today’s fastest commercial airliners.

Boom Supersonic’s Overture planes are being designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers and fly more than 600 routes around the world in just half the time, according to American Airlines, the largest airline at Miami International Airport.

Flying from Miami to London in just under five hours and from Los Angeles to Honolulu in three hours are some of the many possibilities.

Last July, Denver-based Boom revealed the final production design for the Overture, which is scheduled to launch in 2025 and carry its first passengers by 2029. United Airlines also has made a commitment to buy the new jets, 15 of them, CNBC reported.

“Supersonic travel will be an important part of our ability to deliver for our customers,” said Derek Kerr, American’s chief financial officer. “We are excited about how Boom will shape the future of travel for both our company and our customers.”

American, the world’s biggest airline, paid a nonrefundable deposit for the initial 20 aircraft, with an option to buy an additional 40 jets. Financial terms were not disclosed. The supersonic planes will be built in North Carolina.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boom must meet industry standard safety, performance and operational requirements, as well as other customary conditions from American prior to delivery of any Overture aircraft.

“We are proud to share our vision for a more connected and sustainable world with American Airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom. “We believe Overture can help American deepen its competitive advantage in network, loyalty and overall airline preference through the paradigm-shifting benefits of cutting travel times in half.”