Supersonic passenger jets
For 27 years Concorde epitomised jet-setting glamour. Yet its elegant delta wings came with the ear-splitting noise of thirsty military-derived engines; champagne was served in a cramped cabin with small seats; and cruising at twice the speed of sound, which just about halved the time for an Atlantic crossing, cost twice the regular business-class fare. Devotees shed a tear after its farewell flight in 2003, following a fatal crash in 2000 and the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001. Most business travellers shrugged.
Key Points
1.supersonic passenger jet 超音速客机
2.glamour 魅力
glamourous 迷人的, 富有魅力的
3.at twice the speed of sound 声速的两倍
at the speed of 以……的速度
4.business-class fare 商务舱票价
头等舱：First Class
商务舱：Executive Class、Business Class
经济舱：Economy Class
5.shed a tear 热泪盈眶
