It's interesting to see Boeing working on redesigning the Boeing Sonic Cruiser in order to effectively compete with Airbus. I honestly think they should develop a Supersonic version that goes around Mach 1.8-2 and carries 250 pax. Throughout history speed has always been the way of technology, you just have to look at aviation, computer and technology world to see this. I think that if Boeing keep insisting on this sonic airplane they'll do a big flop and may even be taken over by Airbus.
Another consideration is the scramjet that was launched in Australia the other day, all this technology should be used to develop the airliner of the future.
