US looks to speed air taxis, supersonic planes to market

In June, the FAA proposed the first of two rules needed to lift a ban imposed in 1973 on supersonic air transport over land. The agency plans to propose a second rule to define acceptable noise thresholds for takeoff, landing, and supersonic cruise flight and finalize both by mid-2027.

"We think the rules are old and outdated," Rocheleau said.

The era of regular commercial supersonic flights ended in 2003 when Concorde, flown by Air France and British Airways, was retired after 27 years of service.

After the rules are in place, the FAA and other regulators will need to certify supersonic aircraft.

The FAA created a pilot program last year to help nascent electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs, begin deployments. Rocheleau said data from the pilot program with eight partner companies in 26 states will help inform certification efforts.