Supersonic jet maker eyeing 3 sites in Washington for manufacturing

SPOKANE, Wash. -- A Boston company is looking at three sites in Washington to manufacture a supersonic jet now in the early stages of development.

Spike Aerospace is designing an 18-passenger supersonic jet that could fly from New York to Los Angeles in just over three hours.

The privately held company is one of three U.S. startups looking to revive supersonic technology with a focus on premium business travelers.

At an aerospace conference last month in Lynnwood, Washington, Spike's chief executive officer said the company is considering Spokane, Moses Lake and Everett for its factory.

The Spokesman-Review says the state Department of Commerce last week approved a grant to speed up development of land currently owned by Spokane International Airport after an out-of-state aerospace company expressed "great interest" in the site.