Airline to create 'Son of Concorde'

A NEW supersonic jet - an heir to Concorde - could take to the skies in the next decade.

Just 18 months after its final flight, Japanese and French aerospace executives today signed research agreements suggesting Airbus, the French-led aircraft manufacturer 20-owned by BAE Systems, may be looking at developing a nextgeneration supersonic jet.

Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Japanese Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said: 'We would like the [French and Japanese aerospace] industries to realise supersonic transport by combining Japan's manufacturing technology with France's supersonic technology.'

Leading the development is Japanese engine maker Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, commissioned and funded by the Japanese government to find a supersonic technology that is cheaper, more efficient, cleaner and less-noisy than Concorde, the Rolls Royce-powered aircraft which proved a financial drain on British Airways and Air France.

Airbus first expressed an interest in developing supersonic ties with Japanese engine makers back in 2003.

A spokesman for Airbus parent Eads said today: 'A supersonic aircraft is not a priority for Airbus as it is focusing on the A380 [550-seater superjumbo] and the A350 [rival to Boeing's mid-size 787 Dreamliner].'

Industry experts believe a new-generation supersonic aircraft would probably have 50 seats. The 100-seat Concorde often flew half empty.