Boeing has signed a partnership agreement with US-based Aerion to accelerate the development of supersonic air travel.

Under the deal, Boeing has invested an undisclosed sum in Aerion to advance the development of technology and aircraft design, as well as bring supersonic air travel to new markets.

Boeing is set to introduce Aerion’s AS2 supersonic business jet to the market by offering engineering, manufacturing and flight test insights, as well as strategic vertical content.

AS2 has been designed to fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4 or around 1,000 miles an hour. Its manufacturers claim that the AS2 can fly up to 70% faster than existing business jets.

The aircraft has the potential to save around three hours on a transatlantic flight. It is scheduled to make its first flight in 2023.

Designed to carry 12 passengers, AS2 complies with all environmental performance requirements.

“The aircraft has the potential to save around three hours on a transatlantic flight.”

Aerion introduced the aircraft in 2014 and revealed the aircraft’s GE Affinity engine design last year.

Boeing NeXt vice-president and general manager Steve Nordlund said: “Boeing is leading a mobility transformation that will safely and efficiently connect the world faster than ever before.

“This is a strategic and disciplined leading-edge investment in further maturing supersonic technology.

“Through this partnership that combines Aerion’s supersonic expertise with Boeing’s global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”

Boeing NeXt primarily works with industry partners and regulatory agencies to promote a safe and new mobility ecosystem.

It is involved in the development of autonomous air vehicles and passenger-carrying hypersonic aircraft.