Aerion's engineering development has reached the point where the technical issues are comparable to any large business development program and is currently seeking a qualified manufacturer to assume leadership in integration, certification and production of the world's first supersonic business jet. Aerion's business case is uniquely attractive for the lead manufacturers as well as the risk-sharing suppliers.

Aerion continues in serious and detailed discussions with potential OEM manufacturing partners.  The company expects discussions to lead to a joint Aerion-OEM design study—a proof-of-concept phase—after which partners would jointly decide whether to move forward with full-scale development and production. The POC phase is expected to last nine to 12 months.

Aerion has stated previously that a successful proof-of-concept phase would be followed by a five-year development program culminating in certification and entry into service. In all likelihood, that would put the certification date for the Aerion aircraft in 2015. There are two positive economic signs for the program: the Aerion order book has held steady at approximately $4 billion (with a unit cost of $80 million); and OEMs have remained committed to pressing ahead with discussions at a time of economic uncertainty.