Boeing Model 247 was the 1930s twin-engine mailplane that influenced later airliner designs.
The Model 247 first flew in 1933 and was one of the first modern airliners to combine an all-metal stressed-skin structure, retractable landing gear, a cantilevered low wing, and twin-engine operation. These features represented a major step beyond many earlier biplane transports.
United Air Lines, which was closely connected to Boeing’s corporate structure at the time, became the principal operator. The aircraft could carry passengers and mail at speeds that significantly improved travel over earlier designs.
The Model 247’s development was followed closely by the Douglas DC-2, which offered greater capacity and performance in some respects. Boeing’s design therefore marks an important transition in commercial aviation, even though the 247 was produced in relatively limited numbers.