Boom Supersonic completes 180,000-sq-ft Overture Superfactory at PTI, begins tooling installation phase
Denver-based aerospace startup finishes construction of first U.S. supersonic airliner factory in Greensboro, pivots to production floor setup with plans for 33 aircraft annually.
Boom Supersonic completes 180,000-sq-ft Overture Superfactory at PTI, begins tooling installation phase
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Boom Supersonic marked completion of its 180,000-square-foot Overture Superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport Monday, shifting focus to operationalizing the production floor for the nation's first supersonic airliner manufacturing facility.
The Denver-based aerospace startup finished construction 17 months after breaking ground in January 2023, with plans to begin installing advanced tooling and assembly stations in partnership with Advanced Integration Technology (AIT). The facility represents a critical step in PTI's emergence as a next-generation aerospace manufacturing hub.
"Construction of the Overture Superfactory represents a major milestone toward ensuring the United States' continued leadership in aerospace manufacturing," said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO, at Monday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
What's next for production
With the building shell complete, Boom will now focus on operationalizing the production floor—designing assembly stations, finalizing materials movement processes, and installing drilling systems. The first major equipment installation will be an advanced test cell unit from AIT, which will develop manufacturing processes and optimize assembly line flow.
The initial assembly line will produce 33 Overture aircraft annually, valued at more than $6 billion. Boom plans a second assembly line to double capacity to 66 aircraft per year. The 65-acre campus will also include a delivery center where United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines—which have placed 130+ orders and pre-orders—will receive their supersonic aircraft.
Each Overture will seat 64-80 passengers, fly at Mach 1.7 (twice today's commercial jets), and operate on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The aircraft targets a 4,250 nautical mile range.
Why it matters for Triad manufacturing
The project validates PTI's manufacturing infrastructure investments and positions the airport as home to both Boom and JetZero—two companies developing revolutionary aircraft designs. North Carolina economists project the Superfactory will contribute $32.3 billion to the state economy over 20 years while creating 2,400 jobs.
"The Piedmont Triad region is an economic powerhouse, helping solidify North Carolina's place as the top state for business," said Phil Berger, N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore. "Boom's Overture Superfactory showcases the new and innovative projects that are bringing jobs and investment here."
The facility, built by BE&K Building Group and designed by BRPH, targets LEED certification and will be 40% more energy efficient than comparable manufacturing facilities through urban heat mitigation materials, LED lighting, and water conservation systems.
Manufacturing timeline and milestones
- January 2022: Site selection announced
- January 2023: Groundbreaking
- September 2023: Structure topped out
- June 2024: Construction complete
- 2024: Production floor operationalization begins
- 2025: First aircraft rollout planned
- 2026: First flight targeted
- 2029: First passenger flights projected
- Late 2030s: Full production rate achieved
Partnership with XB-1 demonstrator program
The Superfactory completion coincides with progress on Boom's XB-1 supersonic demonstrator, which completed its inaugural flight in March 2024 in Mojave, California. XB-1 recently received the FAA's first-ever Special Flight Authorization to exceed Mach 1, validating technologies that will transfer to Overture production.
"We look forward to Boom's success in its mission to bring back commercial supersonic flight and help the U.S. maintain its leadership in aviation innovation," said Paul Mengert, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority chair.
What's ahead
Boom will begin hiring for manufacturing positions as production floor setup advances, with opportunities posted on the company's careers page and NCworks.gov. The company has committed to creating 200 internships through 2032 for students at North Carolina's public universities, community colleges, and technical schools.
For the Triad's manufacturing sector, the Superfactory represents continued diversification into advanced aerospace, building on the region's aviation legacy from the Wright Brothers' first flight to modern production facilities serving global airlines.
Sources
- Boom Supersonic: "Boom Supersonic Completes Construction of the Overture Superfactory" (June 17, 2024)
- N.C. Commerce Department: Manufacturing facility announcements and economic impact projections
- Piedmont Triad Airport Authority: Boom Supersonic facility development updates