While Richard Branson and Bas Lansdorp surge separately toward space travel, Airbus Group and Aerion Corporation have agreed to collaborate on technologies that will further the future of high-performance flight on Earth. Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics and space solutions for both the US military and commercial avionics, homeland security systems, defense electronics, threat detection systems and public safety systems. Aerion Corporation is dedicated to commercial supersonic flight and over the past 20 years its engineering core has perfected the design of a supersonic business jet.

It seems both companies are devoted to working in tandem and sharing sensitive information rgeather than trying to compete and labor independently toward their common goals. For Aerion in particular, this agreement means collaboration to advance the development and commercialization of the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet. Specifically, this will help Aerion get through a critical phase of their development process of the AS2: they will soon begin specifying and sourcing equipment, avionics and propulsion systems for the aircraft.

The Defense and Space division of Airbus will provide technical and certification support. In exchange, Aerion will provide proprietary technology, such as its patented aerodynamic designs, and assistance to Airbus’ development of high-performance aircraft technology.

Aerion plans to have the AS2 flying by 2019 and achieve full certification by 2021. Both companies are based in Nevada with Airbus in Herndon and Aerion in Reno.