The History of the Boeing 707

The Boeing 707 was the jetliner that launched the modern age of commercial air travel. Developed in the 1950s, it was Boeing’s first successful jet-powered passenger aircraft and revolutionized long-distance air travel.

First flown in 1957, the 707 entered service with Pan Am in 1958 and quickly became popular among airlines around the world. It helped establish Boeing as a dominant force in aviation.

The 707 was also used extensively for military applications, including as the basis for the KC-135 Stratotanker and Air Force One. Its legacy continues in modern jets that evolved from its design.