Fly London to New York in 90 mins on jet

Virgin Galactic’s jet aims to reach Mach 3
Virgin Galactic’s jet aims to reach Mach 3
VIRGIN GALACTIC/THE SPACESHIP CO/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Virgin Galactic has formed a partnership with Rolls-Royce to develop a supersonic business jet that will fly at three times the speed of sound — making the journey from London to New York only 90 minutes.

The aircraft, on which Nasa has also collaborated, would fly between nine and 19 passengers and crew at an altitude above 60,000ft (18.2km), according to a design unveiled yesterday.

Virgin Galactic said that it aimed to make high-speed air travel “practical, sustainable, safe and reliable”.

George Whitesides, Virgin Galactic’s chief space officer, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the innovative team at Rolls-Royce as we strive to develop sustainable, cutting-edge propulsion systems for the aircraft . . . We look forward to opening up a new frontier