Earl Colby Pottinger wrote in message ...
h (Rand Simberg) :

On 22 Nov 2004 08:08:18 -0800, in a place far, far away,
(Dave O'Neill) made the phosphor on my monitor glow
in such a way as to indicate that:

At least two companies have announced plans for new supersonic business
jets at the last NBAA convention

Yes, and Boeing announced it's "Sonic Cruiser." It never happened. I
predict that these won't either.

For what it is worth, I agree with Rand.

I feel compelled to add that I predicted at the time that it would
never happen, because it made no sense. People weren't going to be
willing to spend a lot more money on a ticket just to go a little bit
faster. They will to go a lot faster, but not to go a little.

Sub-orbitals will carry far fewer people than planes. If they are only
allowed carry-on luggage could the custom lines be speeded up.

Entering the US for non-residents the Customs' line isn't the problem.
It's hitting the Immigration line behind the 747 from Pakistan or
China that kills you.

I've been to the US about 20 times in the last 2 years and never been
stopped by customs - I have, however, spent up to 2 hours waiting in
line for immigration.

The airport over head is going to remain no matter how fast you get
from A to B. The best alternative would be to fly out of small
airstrips like NetJets do and then you can go from car to Plane and
back.

We've done the latter for major meetings when we've need to have a
half dozen people at meetings in 4 different countries in the same
day. It's cheaper to charter a small jet than to pay for scheduled
airline tickets and try to fit everything in around airports.

Dave