H.R. 4012: National Airport Supersonic Readiness Act of 2025

This bill, titled the National Airport Supersonic Readiness Act of 2025, aims to assess the capability of major U.S. airports to accommodate high-speed air travel, particularly supersonic and hypersonic aircraft. The bill recognizes that such aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce long-haul flight times, thereby transforming air travel. However, it also highlights the concern that existing airport infrastructures may not be fully equipped to handle the unique requirements of these aircraft, such as runway length, noise regulations, and the provision of appropriate ground equipment and fuel supply.

Study on Airport Readiness

The bill directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the readiness of large hub airports to accommodate these high-speed aircraft. The Administrator will work with relevant stakeholders, which may include other government agencies, industry representatives, and academic experts, to gather the necessary information.

Key Considerations for the Study

As part of this study, the FAA will evaluate several important factors:

• Runway Length and Structural Integrity: Assessing whether existing runways can support the takeoff and landing requirements of high-speed aircraft.
• Ground Equipment Compatibility: Understanding if current fueling and maintenance facilities are suitable for these aircraft.
• Air Traffic Control Systems: Reviewing whether current air traffic control processes can accommodate increased complexity from high-speed travel.
• Environmental Regulations: Identifying any regulations related to noise and emissions that could restrict the use of high-speed aircraft at certain airports.
• Economic Impacts: Analyzing potential financial benefits and challenges associated with allowing high-speed aircraft at airports.

Reporting Requirements

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the FAA Administrator is required to submit a report to Congress that includes:

• The results of the readiness study.
• Recommendations for policy changes and necessary infrastructure improvements to facilitate the operation of high-speed aircraft.
• Estimated costs and timelines for implementing any proposed improvements.

Definitions

The bill defines several relevant terms:

• High-speed aircraft: Refers to aircraft operating at speeds exceeding Mach 1 (the speed of sound), which includes both supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
• Supersonic: Any flight operating between Mach 1 and Mach 5.
• Hypersonic: Flights operating at speeds greater than Mach 5.
• Large hub airport: As defined in U.S. law, typically referring to major airports that handle a significant volume of passenger traffic.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing: Boeing has been involved in the development of supersonic aircraft. This study may impact its future projects and investments in supersonic technology.
• VRML - Aerion Supersonic: Aerion is a company focused on building supersonic business jets. The findings of this study may influence the company's operational planning and market strategy.
• RTX - Raytheon Technologies: As a major supplier of aerospace components, Raytheon may see changes in demand for certain technologies and systems related to high-speed aircraft based on the outcomes of this bill.