Boeing 707

aviation · jet engines · 1950s history

First jet airliner. The Boeing 707 was the very first jet-powered passenger airplane that Boeing built, and it flew its first test flight on December 20, 1957. This made it a pioneer of the jet age in aviation.

Flew the world. Pan Am airline was the first to use the 707 to carry paying passengers, starting on October 26, 1958. Its powerful jet engines let it fly long distances across oceans, which was amazing for that time.

Room for more people. The 707 had a wider body than planes before it, which meant it could fit six seats across in the cheapest section instead of just five. This design worked so well that Boeing used the same idea in later planes like the 727 and 737.

Four powerful engines. The 707 had four jet engines attached to swept-back wings, giving it plenty of power to carry many passengers and cargo on long flights. This engine design became famous for being reliable and strong.

Built for 22 years. Boeing kept making the 707 in different versions until 1979, which means this plane was in production for more than two decades. Many airlines around the world loved flying these planes.