The Boeing 727 is a three-engine jet airliner developed for short- and medium-range passenger services. The 727-100 first flew on 9 February 1963. Its design combined jet performance with equipment intended to support operations at airports with more limited ground facilities.[1]Boeing historical chronology: 1963Boeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Boeing 727-022The Museum of Flight · museumofflight.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Design and ground independence
The 727 introduced several features to Boeing jetliner production, including an auxiliary power unit for ground power and completely hydraulically powered flight controls. The programme also used extensive fatigue testing. Its ground-power capability helped an airline operate away from airports equipped to support larger long-distance jets.[2]Boeing 727-022The Museum of Flight · museumofflight.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Passenger versions
The family included the original 727-100 and the longer 727-200. Northeast Airlines placed the first 727-200 into airline service in December 1967. Delta subsequently operated aircraft acquired through its merger with Northeast, as well as its own advanced stretched versions. Differences in seating, engines and weight standards developed within the wider family.[3]Boeing 727, 1972-2003Delta Flight Museum · deltamuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
An airline application
Delta used the 727 on routes that could not justify four-engine aircraft and at airports where the larger aircraft were unsuitable. Its own initial order in March 1972 covered 14 advanced stretched aircraft. A 131-seat configuration offered additional capacity on routes involving New York LaGuardia and Washington National. Delta ultimately operated the type for more than three decades, ending scheduled 727 passenger service in April 2003.[3]Boeing 727, 1972-2003Delta Flight Museum · deltamuseum.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Preservation
The first 727 survives in the Museum of Flight collection. After restoration work at Paine Field, it made a final flight to Boeing Field on 2 March 2016. The aircraft subsequently joined the museum Aviation Pavilion. Preservation of this development airframe provides a physical link to the programme that introduced the trijet into Boeing passenger-aircraft production.[2]Boeing 727-022The Museum of Flight · museumofflight.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details