Boeing's iconic trijet ends commercial flights after decades of service

The Boeing 727, an iconic trijet aircraft, made a significant mark in the history of jet-powered commercial aviation. Entering service with Eastern Air Lines in February 1964, it became a staple for airlines worldwide due to its efficiency and capability to operate at smaller airports. Delta Air Lines was the last U.S. airline to use the 727 for scheduled passenger flights, concluding its service on April 6, 2003.

Frederick W. Reid, then President and COO of Delta Air Lines, remarked on the aircraft's impact: "The Boeing 727 served as an elegant and durable workhorse of Delta's fleet for more than 30 years. It was a vital part of our company's growth."

Delta operated a total of 191 Boeing 727s from 1972 until their retirement. Julian May, Vice President of Engineering at Delta in 1981, highlighted the aircraft's popularity: "The 727 has a place in the Delta fleet for many years. It is popular with our passengers, and its modern, low-noise and fuel-efficient engines help us keep ticket prices down while being a good neighbor at the airports we serve."