Boeing 707-320 Intercontinental

The Boeing 707‑320 Intercontinental was the flagship variant of the original 707 series, introduced in the late 1950s by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. First delivered to Pan American World Airways in 1959, the 707‑320 featured a longer fuselage, a higher‑capacity cabin and increased fuel capacity that enabled true nonstop trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific flights. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3D low‑bypass turbofan engines, the aircraft offered a cruising speed of about 600 mph and a range of roughly 5,750 nautical miles, a remarkable improvement over earlier piston‑powered airliners. Its pressurised cabin accommodated up to 189 passengers in a two‑class layout, and its redesigned wing with increased span reduced drag and boosted fuel efficiency. The 707‑320 set new standards for jet‑age reliability and helped cement the United States’ dominance in international air transport during the 1960s and 1970s. Airlines such as BOAC, Lufthansa and Eastern Air Lines quickly adopted the type, expanding global route networks and shortening travel times. The aircraft’s success paved the way for later Boeing models like the 727, 737 and 747, making the 707‑320 a cornerstone of modern commercial aviation history.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Boeing 707-320 Intercontinental

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