With the supersonic Concorde jet permanently out of service, what is the most efficient route across the Atlantic?
It all depends on the position of the jet stream producing that extra tailwind to boost travel times. In 2015, a commercial airliner nearly broke the sound barrier thanks to a boost from Mother Nature. The British Airway Boeing 777, flying from New York’s JFK airport to Heathrow in London, reached speeds of 745 mph and almost touched the 761 mph needed to qualify as a supersonic flight.
With the jet stream-fueled winds measured at 250 mph, the flight arrived in London a full one-and-a-half hours earlier than expected. With a flight time of just over five hours, this 777 became the second fastest passenger aircraft to ever cross the Atlantic, surpassed by only the speed and elegance of the Concorde.
Next time you are planning a trip to Europe and you want to arrive at your destination early, make sure that the pilots are flying Eastbound with the jet stream and hold on tight!
VIDEO: 777 Landing In London
