Boeing 720 History

The Boeing 720 was a derivative of the Boeing 707, introduced in 1960 as a shorter, lighter version optimized for medium-range routes. While it shared much of its design and systems with the 707, the 720 was built for better performance on shorter runways and lower-capacity routes.

Only 154 aircraft were produced, but the 720 helped pave the way for jet travel into airports not served by the larger 707. Operators like United, Northwest, and Avianca used the 720 extensively in the 1960s and 70s.

Though often overlooked in Boeing’s lineup, the 720 played an important transitional role between first-generation jetliners and more efficient future designs.