Supersonic aircraft manufacturer Boom Supersonic announced a long-term agreement with Direct Air Capture (DAC) company Climeworks. As part of the agreement, Climeworks will remove and permanently store Boom’s residual emissions from the atmosphere, helping the company achieve its goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025.

Boom is currently developing a new commercial airliner, Overture, capable of flying at mach 1.7, roughly twice the speed of today’s commercial jets, and designed to be able to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel, enabling net zero carbon flight, according to the company. Last year, Boom signed a landmark agreement with United Airlines to purchase 15 Overture aircraft, with an option for an additional 35, with the planes expected to enter into commercial operation in 2029.

Boom achieved carbon neutrality in 2021, and the company has set a goal to reach net zero carbon by 2025. The company recently outlined its roadmap to net zero, including steps to measure its full value chain emissions (scopes 1 – 3), continuously y evaluate and deliver on opportunities to drive reductions in carbon, and to invest in high-impact, high-quality carbon offset solutions for residual emissions that cannot be mitigated.

Kathy Savitt, President and Chief Business Officer for Boom Supersonic, said:

“At Boom, our commitment to a sustainable future is driven by a deep belief that travel can and should be a net good. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Climeworks, a pioneer in DAC technology, to help ensure that the supersonic future will be sustainable.”

DAC technology, listed by the IEA as a key carbon removal option in the transition to a net zero energy system, extracts CO2 directly from the atmosphere for use as a raw material or permanently removed when combined with storage.

Founded in 2009, Zurich-based Climeworks has emerged as the leading DAC provider, with 15 plants built globally to date, including Orca, the world’s largest DAC and storage facility located in Iceland. At the Orca facility, Climeworks has partnered with CO2 storage solutions provider Carbfix to mix the captured carbon dioxide with water, and inject it deep underground, where it will ultimately turn into stone through natural mineralization. Climeworks’ direct air capture machines are powered solely by renewable energy or energy-from-waste.

Last month, Climeworks announced the completion of a $650 million equity raise, aimed at funding expansion in the company’s Direct Air Capture capacity.

Christoph Gebald, co-CEO and co-founder of Climeworks, said:

“Climate change is a crucial challenge of our time, requiring innovative solutions and radical thinking. Humanity’s climate goals will only be met when innovation is applied to all sectors. We’re excited to welcome Boom as our new long-term customer and help them address part of their residual emissions.”