The projected range for the Overture craft is 8300km. That would just barely get you from San Francisco to Tokyo (shades of Concorde, which on days with contrary winds had to stop to refuel on the New York - London/Paris runs), but not from Los Angeles. Australia and NZ are far too far. With a refueling stop in Hawaii then Auckland is ok, though Sydney is still marginal.

So less wonderful than you'd hope: the Pacific is darned big.

Didn't realize. Pacific crossings seem like the ideal place to capitalize on high speed, and it seems silly not to make that the primary and expand from there.

Perhaps the supersonic range issue is just a really tough nut to crack?

>Perhaps the supersonic range issue is just a really tough nut to crack?

Almost certainly.

You're right that trans-Pacific would be more compelling. Even with decent food, nice drink, and lie-flat seating, a trans-Pacific flight is still a long time to stay mostly sitting. (Though airlines could have lounges like the old first class lounge in the hump of 747s; people just don't want to pay for the space.)

Honestly, transatlantic is really not a big deal. Very few people are interested in flying back and forth in a day. And if you're going to stay overnight, NY to London, say, is really not a bad trip in business and you don't even need to do it as a red-eye.

I'd add that, if it weren't already the case relative to when the Concorde flew, I suspect that this period will permanently damp flying across the ocean just to sign a deal or do a quick meet and greet. (Which was certainly part of the market for Concordes).