Modern Concorde that travels from London to New York in 3.5 hours is a step closer

Supersonic air travel could be making a return to the skies, if a plane that aims to replace Concorde proves successful.

Boom Supersonic, a firm backed by Richard Branson, claims that a prototype of their passenger plane will make its first test by the end of 2018.

Their dream came one step closer earlier this week, after CEO Blake Scholl announced a ’milestone’ engine delivery for the XB-1 craft.

Mr Scholl tweeted:’Milestone coming up: XB-1 engines are on a truck and will arrive at @boomaero hangar within a week.’

The ‘Baby Boom’ jet is designed to test the supersonic technology of the firm, and could take passengers from London to New York in only 3.5 hours – halving the current flight time.

If the firm’s 55-seat plane is approved, it could be ferrying passengers around the world at supersonic speeds by 2023.

Five unnamed airlines also also reportedly interested in purchasing 76 of the 55-seater jet liners – with Boom confirming that Virgin Galactic and Japan Airlines will operate the aircraft.

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The craft will also produce a sonic boom that is at least 30 times quieter than that of Concorde, which was besieged with high operating costs.

In a statement last December, Mr Scholl said: ‘We’ve been working with Japan Airlines (JAL) behind the scenes for over a year now.

‘JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers.

‘Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet.’