Speed chaser

Boom and the rebirth of the supersonic airliner

While the tyranny of distance has not dulled Australians’ love of air travel, many approach the 24-hour trek to Europe or the US east coast with Dread.

Whether in a lie-flat seat or one that offers only a few precious degrees of recline, the journey often leaves one feeling less than their best upon disembarkation, as the excitement of (finally!) being on the other side of the world is far outweighed by a lack of sleep, jetlag and the prospect of a stern inquisition from a grumpy immigration officer.