Q&A · 4:05:12-4:07:26

Could Concorde return, or would a new supersonic airliner be needed?

Supersonic passenger travel could return through a new aircraft, while the surviving Concordes raise concerns about age and cost.

Question

Would a return of supersonic passenger travel mean Concorde itself could come back?

Short answer

A new aircraft with updated systems is considered more plausible than returning the old Concordes to service.

Notes

A return to supersonic passenger travel is more plausible here than returning the surviving Concordes to service. Cost and the age of the airframes are concerns. One proposal is to build a new aircraft with a similar overall form, modern avionics, and newer engines. This remains speculation in the November 2025 conversation, without an announced revival programme.