Boeing 707-220

The Boeing 707‑220 was the first production variant of the pioneering 707 jetliner, rolled out by Boeing in 1958 and entering commercial service with American Airlines in 1959. Developed from the prototype 707‑139, the 220 model featured a longer fuselage, a stronger wing structure and upgraded Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbo‑jets that delivered 13,000 pounds of thrust each. Seating capacity typically ranged from 140 to 160 passengers, and the aircraft could cruise at Mach 0.84, covering trans‑Atlantic routes in under eight hours—dramatically reducing travel time compared with propeller driven airliners. The 707‑220’s robust design, reliable systems and relatively low operating costs made it attractive to carriers worldwide, leading to orders from Pan Am, TWA, and several European airlines. Its introduction marked the beginning of the jet age for commercial aviation, establishing the United States as the leader in wide‑body jet transport and prompting rivals to develop comparable models. The 707‑220 also served as a foundation for military variants such as the KC‑135 Stratotanker, demonstrating the type’s adaptability and enduring influence on both civilian and defense aviation. Today, a handful of preserved 707‑220 airframes are displayed in museums, reminding enthusiasts of the aircraft that reshaped global travel.

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