H.R. 4012 — National Airport Supersonic Readiness Act of 2025

This section declares congressional findings that (1) supersonic and hypersonic commercial airliners could significantly reduce long-haul flight times; (2) existing U.S. airport infrastructure may not fully accommodate their requirements, including runway length, ground equipment, noise regulations, and fuel supply; and (3) a comprehensive study is needed to assess major U.S. airports' ability to handle such aircraft safely and efficiently.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in consultation with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other stakeholders (e.g., industry and academia), to conduct a study assessing the capability of large hub airports—including the largest airports in the United States—to accommodate high-speed aircraft (i.e., operating at speeds exceeding Mach 1, including supersonic aircraft operating between Mach 1 and Mach 5 and hypersonic aircraft operating above Mach 5). In conducting the study, FAA must evaluate (1) runway length and structural integrity; (2) ground equipment compatibility, including fueling and maintenance facilities; (3) air traffic control systems and procedures; (4) environmental regulations that may prevent high-speed aircraft use, including those related to noise pollution or emissions; and (5) potential economic benefits and challenges. Not later than one year after the date of enactment, FAA must submit a report to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology containing the study results, recommendations for policy changes and infrastructure improvements, and estimated costs and projected timelines for such improvements.