Boeing 747

The Boeing 747 is a large wide-body airliner and cargo aircraft manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the United States.

After introducing the 707 in October 1958, Pan Am wanted a jet 2½ times its size, to reduce its seat cost by 30% to democratize air travel. In 1965, Joe Sutter left the 737 development to design the 747, the first twin aisle airliner. In April 1966, Pan Am ordered 25 747-100 aircraft and in late 1966, Pratt & Whitney agreed to develop its JT9D, a high-bypass turbofan.

On September 30, 1968, the first 747 was rolled out of the custom-built Everett Plant, the largest building in the world by volume.