Despite Initial Backing By A TX Billionaire and Boeing, It All Goes Bust

Aerion... one of a very few companies currently attempting to build the next generation of supersonic aircraft, this time for the BizJet market, has announced that it is shutting down.

The reason is a familiar one... without the bucks, there can be no Buck Rogers -- even with supportive partners like Boeing, GE and NetJets. As such; the ambitious program to build the AS2 supersonic aircraft has failed to attract sufficient investment and is done before they even got a prototype in the air.

The company has been quoted as stating, "The AS2 supersonic business jet program meets all market, technical, regulatory and sustainability requirements, and the market for a new supersonic segment of general aviation has been validated with $11.2 billion in sales backlog for the AS2..."

"However, in the current financial environment, it has proven hugely challenging to close on the scheduled and necessary large new capital requirements to finalize the transition of the AS2 into production... Given these conditions, the Aerion Corporation is now taking the appropriate steps in consideration of this ongoing financial environment."

The AS2 was expected to net a price of upwards of $120M per airframe and had originally promised to build a major facility on Florida to see the project through. A year ago, the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, participated in a well publicized press conference and announcement event choosing Melbourne as the future home of its global headquarters. More info to follow...

FMI: www.aerionsupersonic.com