The American people recently selected the three most significant aviation achievements of the 20th century. They chose the Wright brothers' first flight, Charles Lindbergh's crossing of the Atlantic, and the development of the Boeing 747. I think that is pretty good company.
The 747 has helped make our world a little smaller, a little friendlier, and a lot more accessible. The "Queen of the Skies" has flown 3.3 billion people - the equivalent of more than half the world's population - and it has logged nearly 33 billion miles.
Along the way, the 747 has set the standard for long-range comfort and speed.
But the 747 is more than just a 30-year memory, a proud history and impressive statistics. Today's 747-400 is dramatically different from the original 747.
The aircraft has improved aerodynamics, digital avionics, and added 4,830km (3,000 miles) more range.
Of the more than 1,230 747s that have been delivered, 500 of them are the high-technology 747-400.
The 747 is an aeroplane family with an impressive pedigree. And a bright future. Customers continue to endorse and recognise the 747's capability, value, versatility and reliability. When the market demands an aircraft with more capability, we will build it. It may fly farther or carry more passengers. But it will still be a 747.
Today, Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company. We build rockets, launch satellites and operate the Space Shuttle. But when people around the world visualise Boeing, they see the 747.
Boeing aircraft change the world, bringing people, ideas and opportunity together. The 747 is at the heart of that legacy.
Source: Flight International
