Aerion

History

Aerion Corporation was founded in 2003 by Texas billionaire Robert Bass as a startup working to commercialize supersonic aviation technology. The company began development on supersonic business jets in 2004.

Increased demand from a variety of aircraft manufacturers for Aerion’s natural laminar flow (NLF) expertise drove the company to launch Aerion Technologies Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, in May 2011. Aerion stated that the same proprietary technologies and design tools that enable a practical supersonic business jet also have subsonic and transonic applications. During the previous 10 years, Aerion had developed extensive NLF test data and methods for optimizing its application to aircraft design, as well as assuring practical manufacturing and operational use. Aerion Technologies’ NLF technology and design tools may also help airframe builders improve speed and efficiency limits for next-generation civil and military aircraft.

In May 2015, Ernest Edwards, formerly president of Embraer Executive Jets, was appointed Aerion’s chief commercial officer, while previous Gulfstream G650 chief engineer Mike Hinderberger was promoted to senior vice president for aircraft development.

In March 2018, Tom Vice, former president of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector, was appointed President and COO. A year later, Vice also replaced Robert Bass as Chairman of the Board upon the announcement of a partnership between Boeing and Aerion.

In April 2020, the company announced the construction of a $375 million production facility at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and the relocation of its headquarters to the Aerion Park campus, with the hopes of the first commercial delivery of planes by 2027. Aerion began development on carbon neutral capabilities for its AS2 jet through direct air capture in a 2020 deal with Carbon Engineering. In July 2020, Aerion partnered with Jetex to establish travel arrangements for AS2 passengers.