Facts About Boeing Passenger Aircraft

Each year, millions of people fly around the world in Boeings. Not many are aware of the technology and planning that go into creating these state-of-the-art aircraft.

Facts about the Boeing 747

This was the world's first widebody airliner. Widebody simply means the airplane has two aisles instead of one. The 747 made its maiden flight in February 1969 and PanAm flew the first trans-Atlantic service in January1970.

A 747is commonly referred to as a jumbo jet and is almost 232 feet long. Its wing span is 211 feet and at the tail, it is the height of a six story building. Fully loaded, it weighs 400,000 pounds and can accommodate 568 passengers. The maximum cruising speed is 939 km/h. On average, it takes 300 gallons of paint to cover a 747 and this adds 1200 pounds to the weight of the aircraft.

Facts about the Boeing 767

The 767 series originated in the 1970s. Boeing received input from over 25 airlines and with these requirements in mind, came up with a design for the 767. After spending $100 million in developing the aircraft, they received an order from United Airlines for 30 767-200s.

The first airplane took to the skies in 1982. The 767s hold a maximum of 290 passengers, seating 6 to 8 across the aircraft with two aisles. The 767-200 is 159 feet long with a wing span of 156 feet. The maximum cruising speed is 914 km/h. As of 2005, there were 846 767s in operation worldwide.

Facts about the Boeing 777

In the 1980s, airlines informed Boeing of their need for an aircraft that was bigger than the 767 and smaller than the 747. They were also looking for better fuel economy and less noise. Boeing set to work and made use of modern technology - the 777 was the first airplane to be designed entirely on a computer.

In 1990 United Airlines ordered 34 777s and production began in earnest. The 777 was Boeing's first aircraft with a perfectly circular cross section; previous models were all oval shaped. The 777 is 209 feet long with a wing span of 199 feet. Its maximum cruising speed is 925 km/h and it can hold as many as 550 passengers.

Boeing is a household name when it comes to passenger aircraft. It is a brand that has been around for decades and its airplanes are popular with airlines and passengers alike. Their ability to change with the times is sure to keep them at the forefront of the aircraft industry for many years to come.

Recommended reading: Boeing Widebodies by Michael Haenggi, Motorbooks International, 2003, ISBN 0-7603-0842-X and Airliners Worldwide by Tom Singfield, Midland Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1 85780 189 X.