Airbus Group (née EADS) and Reno, Nev.-based supersonic business jet (SSBJ) developer Aerion announced a partnership agreement yesterday to collaborate on “technologies associated with the future of high-performance flight.” Under the agreement, the companies will exchange knowledge and capabilities in aircraft design, manufacturing and certification. In May, Aerion unveiled plans for the Mach 1.6, $100+ million AS2 trijet.

“This agreement accomplishes two major objectives,” said Aerion CEO Doug Nichols. “It provides validation from the industry leader in aerospace innovation, and it decisively kicks the program into high gear. Each company will benefit. Aerion moves quickly toward building a supersonic jet, and Airbus Group gains exclusive access to our research and technology.”

While Aerion is still searching for a manufacturing partner to produce the aircraft, Nichols anticipates the advanced design stage will be completed next year, leading to full launch of the AS2 program in early 2016. Under the current timeline, Aerion is targeting first flight of the AS2 circa 2019–unchanged from when it announced the AS2 at EBACE. Likewise, 2021 remains the projected time for entry into service of its supersonic jet.