[mrfusion]

You’re not factoring in the ability of supersonic planes to fly at higher altitudes lowering air resistance.

Also these planes could entice the rich to forgo flying on private jets. I’m sure 50 folks on a supersonic jet is still more efficient than 50 gulf streams.

[namirez]

This is a common misconception. Flying at higher altitudes doesn't mean just lower air resistance; it means lower lift as well. As a result you have to fly faster for compensating lower air density. If you do the math, you realize the overall effect would be higher energy consumption.

[freepor]

Come again? The drag is proportional to the lift, but if you’re flying higher, and thus faster, to get the same lift, you’re getting to your destination faster.

[namirez]

What you're missing is the effect of speed and altitude on engine performance. Please take a look at this (pdf):

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.167...

[lancesells]

Flying private is as much about comfort as it is about time efficiency. Maybe the speed increases will make up for time spent on security lines, ticketing, boarding and departures but I suspect you'll start to see private supersonic jets for those that can afford them.