Popular Mechanics published a brief history of the Boeing 747, the iconic behemoth delivering passengers through the skies since 1970. As the 747 begins its phasing out thanks to newer and more efficient aircrafts, it’s worth remembering what a technical marvel the 747 was in its early days. The first twin-aisle, widebody airplane, early 747s could carry 440 passengers and featured the world’s first commercial autopilot for landing. The sheer size of the thing both exhilarated and scared early customers. As Pan Am Flight Director Jay Koren said, “Whether it was because it was a new aircraft or they were scared, all the passengers drank like crazy.” The Everett, Washington factory built by Boeing to assemble 747s remains the world’s most voluminous building.
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