Boeing developed the Boeing 747, which first flew on February 9, 1969.
The 747 was designed as a wide-body, long-range passenger aircraft during a period of rapidly growing international air travel. Its distinctive upper-deck hump and four-engine layout made it immediately recognizable. The prototype was built at Boeing’s large Everett, Washington, assembly facility.
Pan American World Airways introduced the 747 into commercial service on January 22, 1970, flying from New York to London. The aircraft’s high capacity helped airlines reduce the cost per passenger on heavily traveled routes and made long-distance air travel more accessible.
The Airbus A380 later became larger in passenger capacity, so the 747 is not the largest passenger aircraft ever built. Its historic importance comes from its pioneering scale, range, and long service life. Passenger and freighter versions have operated for airlines and cargo carriers worldwide.