The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today a new proposal that would replace traditional aircraft speed restrictions with updated noise-based standards, a move officials say could help pave the way for civil supersonic flight in the United States.

The change, directed under an executive order from President Donald Trump, is aimed at enabling next-generation aircraft to operate more freely while addressing concerns over sonic booms and community noise impacts.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal Aviation Administration is working to advance the effort, stating that officials are “clearing the way for supersonic technology to take the skies at MACH 1 SPEEDS.”

A White House official said aviation rules tied to supersonic flight have not been substantially updated since the 1970s, adding that the new proposal is intended to modernize the regulatory framework for the first time in decades.