Richard Branson-backed ‘Baby Boom’ jet will go from London to New York in three hours

A new supersonic jet known as ‘Baby Boom’, backed by Sir Richard Branson, will be faster than Concorde – and will take its first test flight this year.

The company behind the futuristic passenger liner has received £26 million in funding – and says the plane will be 10% faster than Concorde, with a top speed of 1,451 miles per hour.

Boom Supersonic says that the XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator will take off on a test flight earlier this year – and planes could carry passengers by the early 2020s.

MORE: Woman who dived into Thames during terror attack named

MORE: Eyewitnesses recall moment of Westminster Bridge attack

Made of lightweight carbon-fibre composites, the plane uses existing technologies, with 40 seats, and will travel from London to New York in less than three hours and thirty minutes.

Tickets will cost around £3,500, the company’s chief executive said last year.

‘I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights,’ Sir Richard Branson said.

‘As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactic’s decision to work with Boom was an easy one.

‘Through Virgin Galactic’s manufacturing arm, the Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions.’