Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #225: Blake Scholl, Founder & CEO of Boom Supersonic

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Blake Scholl
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Duration: Approximately 2 hours (Excerpted)

Introduction

The episode features Blake Scholl, the visionary Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, discussing his journey to revolutionize commercial air travel by reintroducing supersonic flight. Hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy SEAL and CIA Contractor, the conversation delves into Blake's motivations, challenges, and the innovative strides Boom is making in aerospace.

Blake Scholl’s Journey and Motivation [01:04 - 03:24]

Blake Scholl introduces himself, highlighting his unconventional path from a self-taught leader to spearheading Boom Supersonic. Starting the company in 2014, Blake aimed to make supersonic travel mainstream, challenging a 52-year-old ban on supersonic flights over land.

Notable Quote:

Blake Scholl [02:08]: "We just finished our XB1, our 1/3 scale demonstrator airplane, and I'd love to go hot wire that thing and make it my own personal airplane."

Inspiration from Concorde and Supersonic Ambitions [03:24 - 05:34]

Blake reflects on the demise of the Concorde and its impact on supersonic travel. He emphasizes that Boom's goal is not just to recreate Concorde but to vastly improve upon it by making supersonic flight affordable and comfortable.

Notable Quote:

Blake Scholl [05:14]: "Why did Concorde kill supersonic flight? It never should have existed. It looked like something straight out of Ryanair."

Overcoming Setbacks and Reversing the Supersonic Ban [22:37 - 43:31]

Blake discusses the pivotal moment when Boom successfully conducted a supersonic test flight without producing an audible sonic boom, a breakthrough achieved through their innovative technology called "mach cutoff." This success prompted a swift legislative change, culminating in an executive order that repealed the supersonic flight ban in the U.S. within just 115 days.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [27:50]: "It's actually really simple. We just need today's weather data and an algorithm to determine the speed and altitude to fly without causing a sonic boom."

Blake Scholl [43:31]: "Under 115 days, we got an executive order repealing the supersonic ban. That's not even the most significant thing for supersonic flight and for me."

Boom Supersonic’s Business Model and Future Plans [44:44 - 60:00]

Blake outlines Boom's strategy to start with business-class supersonic flights on major transoceanic routes, gradually expanding to economy class as technology and efficiencies improve. The company's first commercial airplane, Overture, aims to fly at Mach 1.7, reducing flight times significantly. Boom has secured 130 orders from major airlines, including United, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

Notable Quote:

Blake Scholl [46:11]: "Our goal is to have the first Overture roll out in a little over two years in 2027 and be in airline service by 2030."

Manufacturing Innovations and Supply Chain Optimization [70:45 - 104:34]

Blake emphasizes the importance of vertical integration and in-house manufacturing to maintain control over quality and reduce delays. Boom is investing in digital engineering and AI-driven manufacturing to streamline production processes, aiming to significantly cut down production times and costs.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [86:01]: "We've built a new R&D center in Denver where every part of the airplane can be made under one roof, massively improving time and cost."

Blake Scholl [115:56]: "AI is going to be a huge part of our success. It allows us to automate the boring work, enabling our engineers to focus on innovation."

Regulatory Hurdles and Advocacy for Change [60:00 - 89:17]

The discussion covers the bureaucratic challenges Boom faced, such as lengthy permitting processes and restrictive regulations like NEPA. Blake criticizes the current regulatory framework for stifling innovation and highlights recent positive changes under the current administration, which have been more receptive to Boom's initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [84:27]: "We had to get approval for how much noise our airplanes were going to make before building the factory. This makes no sense."

Blake Scholl [90:16]: "Within 115 days, the supersonic ban was repealed. We’re witnessing a significant deregulation that favors innovation."

Competition and Market Position [89:17 - 126:16]

Blake discusses the competitive landscape, noting that while Boom is pioneering supersonic commercial flights, competitors like China are beginning to enter the field. However, Boom remains ahead due to its early advancements and strategic positioning.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [117:04]: "We've already built and flown an airplane, and they've only announced a cartoon-sounding project. We're ahead."

Blake Scholl [124:15]: "Boeing and Airbus are not inclined to disrupt their existing models. Boom is the new entrant pushing the boundaries."

Company Culture and Team Building [107:25 - 142:22]

Blake shares insights into building an effective team, emphasizing a mix of young, driven individuals and experienced mentors. He highlights the importance of hiring passionate, innovative talent and fostering a collaborative environment where continuous learning and adaptation are encouraged.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [112:33]: "We employ a 'talent distillery' approach—mixing young, driven spirits with seasoned mentors to create a dynamic and innovative team."

Blake Scholl [116:59]: "Our team of 115 is all about smart, driven, hardworking individuals who are passionate about reinventing air travel."

Lessons Learned and Advice for Innovators [133:00 - 147:59]

Blake emphasizes resilience and passion as key traits for innovators. Drawing from personal experiences, he advises entrepreneurs to pursue projects they are passionate about, even in the face of setbacks, and to be willing to learn continuously to overcome obstacles.

Notable Quotes:

Blake Scholl [145:51]: "Work on something that you'd be proud to fail at. If you love what you're doing, you won't mind putting everything on the line."

Blake Scholl [147:38]: "For a company like Boom, success requires not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against us."

Conclusion and Vision for the Future [147:59 - End]

Blake concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of supersonic travel, envisioning a seamless, faster, and more comfortable air travel experience. He underscores Boom's commitment to making supersonic flights accessible to a broader audience and transforming the global travel landscape.

Notable Quote:

Blake Scholl [147:43]: "I wish everyone would work on something that their 5-year-old self would have been tickled pink about. For me, that's supersonic jets."

Key Takeaways

• Innovation Driven by Passion: Blake's journey underscores the importance of pursuing what you love, even without formal credentials.

• Regulatory Advocacy: Strategic breakthroughs can rapidly reshape industry landscapes, as seen with the repeal of the supersonic ban.

• Vertical Integration and AI: Controlling manufacturing processes and leveraging AI can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

• Resilience and Team Dynamics: Building a dedicated, passionate team and maintaining resilience are crucial for overcoming industry challenges.

• Future of Air Travel: Boom Supersonic aims to democratize supersonic travel, making it faster, more comfortable, and accessible to a wider population.

Listening to the full episode provides deeper insights into Blake Scholl’s strategies, challenges, and visionary approach to transforming commercial aviation.