About Boeing 707

B707

The 707 was introduced into service in 1958, it is commonly referred to as "Seven Oh Seven." With an impressive total of 1,010 units delivered, the 707 begun an era of dominance by Boeing in the jet airliner market and is rightfully credited as being one of the principal leaders of the Jet Age. If you ever wondered what began the “7x7” designations, you found it.

The B707 finds its roots in the Dash 80, a prototype jet powered transport and military tanker that Boeing designed to be easily adaptable to an airliner role. After beginning production of the KC-135 (a larger version of the Dash 80 for the US Air Force), Boeing was convinced by airline companies to design an even larger plane, which came to be known as the 707.

Although it was not the first commercial jet in service (that would be the de Havilland Comet), the Boeing 707 was the first jet airliner to be commercially successful. Most 707's in service today have either been converted to freighters or corporate transports.