The Boeing 707, launched in the late 1950s, played a crucial role in defining American aviation by transitioning to jet-powered commercial air travel. This aircraft marked the dawn of the Jet Age and impacted US leadership in aerospace technology. "Its impact extended beyond commercial aviation into military applications, where it played a crucial role in Cold War operations and national defense," according to data from ch-Aviation. Of the 1,010 aircraft produced, only 78 remain active.
Boeing developed the 707 to harness jet engine technology initially used in military aircraft. Before it, US airlines mainly used propeller-driven planes, which lacked the speed and efficiency of jets. The Model 367-80, known as the “Dash 80,” first flew on July 15, 1954, according to a source from This Day in Aviation. This success paved the way for the Boeing 707, targeting both commercial and military markets.
The 707's technical details included a length of 145 feet, a wingspan of 130 feet, and a cruising speed of approximately 600 mph. It could carry between 140 and 189 passengers. The aircraft entered commercial service in 1958 with Pan American World Airways. "According to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, on October 26, 1958, the first jet service by any US airline left New York for Paris."