Boeing shopped the Sonic Cruiser concept extensively to the airlines. The premise of the Sonic Cruiser was a 15-20% increase in speed (Mach 0.95-0.98) without increasing the fuel burn rate.
The airlines said "no thanks, give us 15-20% lower fuel burn rate at the current speed" (Mach 0.85). The 787 was the result... the form follows the function.
The airlines said "no thanks, give us 15-20% lower fuel burn rate at the current speed" (Mach 0.85). The 787 was the result... the form follows the function.