China Develops Yunxing Hypersonic Jet to Revolutionize Global Travel

China is developing the Yunxing hypersonic jet, a near-space passenger aircraft capable of flying approximately 100 kilometers above Earth at speeds around 5,000 km/h (3,106 mph). At this velocity, the aircraft could theoretically circle the planet in just seven hours, dramatically reducing long-haul travel times.

Future versions of the Yunxing are expected to reach speeds up to 19,000 km/h, which could shrink trips such as New York to London to under one hour. Ticket prices for these ultra-fast flights are projected to exceed $30,000 per seat, reflecting the cutting-edge technology and operational costs.

The project is being led by Beijing-based Space Transportation, which has already conducted successful tests of a Mach 4 prototype. This prototype’s speed is comparable to the retired Concorde, offering a glimpse of the potential for high-speed international travel. Early projections suggest that the full-sized aircraft could complete the London–New York route in 1.5 to 2 hours, with a planned debut flight scheduled for 2027.

If completed successfully, the Yunxing would mark China’s return to supersonic passenger travel after a 25-year hiatus, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation aviation technology and hypersonic flight innovation.