Boom supersonic faces uncertainty as focus shifts to AI data centers

Boom Supersonic, the company behind the Overture supersonic airliner, is facing growing doubts as it pivots its focus toward powering AI data centers. CEO Blake Scholl recently announced plans to build a Colorado factory dedicated to manufacturing gas turbines for these data centers. However, concerns about the company's timeline for delivering the supersonic aircraft have emerged. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, one of Boom's early customers, questioned the feasibility of the original 2029 delivery date for the Overture. During an interview on October 28, 2026, Kirby stated that the timeline would likely be extended. This shift in focus has led to uncertainty among early backers, with some questioning the company's ability to meet its commitments. The company's strategic pivot has raised concerns about its long-term viability in both the supersonic aviation and AI data center markets. The decision to prioritize AI data centers over supersonic flight has sparked debate about Boom's future direction. While the company aims to revolutionize both sectors, the challenges of meeting its delivery timelines and securing sufficient investment have cast a shadow over its ambitions. Kirby's public skepticism highlights the growing doubts surrounding the company's ability to balance these competing priorities. As Boom navigates this transition, the outcome will have significant implications for both the supersonic aviation industry and the AI data center market.