Boeing 707

The jetliner that launched the modern age of commercial aviation

Boeing 707-330B – Air Zimbabwe © Lewis Grant

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: B703 1956–1978 Active $10.5 million (1972)

The Boeing 707 was one of the first successful commercial jet airliners in the United States. It introduced transcontinental and transatlantic jet travel to a broad market. The aircraft helped establish Boeing as a dominant force in commercial aviation.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Pratt and Whitney PW JT3D-7
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 19,000 lbf · 85 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
194 economy · 147 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
11 ft 7 in  ·  3.54 m
Cabin height
7 ft 2 in  ·  2.19 m
Cabin length
111 ft 7 in  ·  34.00 m
Exterior length
152 ft 11 in  ·  46.61 m
Tail height
42 ft 1 in  ·  12.83 m
Fuselage diameter
12 ft 4 in  ·  3.76 m
Wing span
145 ft 9 in  ·  44.42 m
Baggage volume
1,766 ft³  ·  50.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
334,000 lb  ·  151,500 kg
Max landing weight
247,000 lb  ·  112,000 kg
Max payload
88,000 lb  ·  40,000 kg
Fuel capacity
23,850 gal · 90,300 L · 72,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
545 kt  ·  627 mph  ·  1,009 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
105 kt  ·  121 mph  ·  194 km/h
Range
50,000 nm  ·  57,540 mi  ·  92,600 km
Fuel burn
0.16 nm/gal  ·  0.08 km/L
Ceiling
43,000 ft  ·  13,100 m
Rate of climb
3,550 ft/min  ·  18 m/s
Takeoff distance
10,000 ft  ·  3,050 m
Landing distance
6,200 ft  ·  1,890 m
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Pan Am Boeing 707 22Stratoliner22 roll out CLIPPER AMERICA N707PA

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Operational Context

Boeing 707 — pioneering commercial jet airliner

The Boeing 707 originated from the Dash 80 prototype, which first flew in 1954. Developed during the dawn of the jet age, the 707 entered airline service in 1958. It marked a transition from piston and turboprop airliners to high-speed jet transport, significantly reducing travel times on long routes.

Powered by four turbojet or later turbofan engines, the 707 cruised at approximately Mach 0.82 and carried between 140 and 189 passengers depending on variant. Its range varied by model but generally exceeded 3,000 nautical miles (5,500 km). The swept-wing design and pressurized fuselage reflected lessons learned from military jet development.

The aircraft rapidly gained acceptance among major airlines and enabled widespread international jet service. It also formed the basis for numerous military derivatives, including airborne early warning and aerial refueling platforms. Although retired from passenger service decades ago, the 707 remains a milestone aircraft that ushered in the global jet age.