The Boeing 747 is a four-engine wide-body aircraft distinguished by its forward upper deck. It transformed long-distance travel by combining unprecedented passenger capacity with intercontinental range.[1]Select products in Boeing historyBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Specifications
The principal family-level specifications are shown in the information panel. Values vary by variant, cabin, engine and operating rules; the linked manufacturer material is the controlling reference.
Development history
Boeing developed the 747 after Pan American requested a much larger long-range aircraft. The first 747-100 flew in 1969 and entered service in 1970. Successive generations increased range, payload and automation; the final 747-8F left the production line in 2023.[1]Select products in Boeing historyBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Variants
Principal families were the 747-100, short-bodied 747SP, -200, -300, -400 and 747-8. Passenger, combi and dedicated freighter versions were produced.
Current and former operators
Current operators include Lufthansa and Air China in passenger service, plus Cargolux, Atlas Air, UPS Airlines and Cathay Pacific Cargo. Former operators include Pan Am, British Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines, United, Northwest and Singapore Airlines.
Engines
Early aircraft used Pratt & Whitney JT9Ds; later variants added General Electric CF6 and Rolls-Royce RB211 choices. The 747-8 uses General Electric GEnx-2B engines.
Orders and deliveries
Boeing delivered 1,574 aircraft across all 747 variants, a final figure because production has ended.[2]Boeing orders and deliveriesBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Accidents and incidents
The 747's long service includes major accidents with varied causes. The NTSB found that TWA Flight 800 broke up in 1996 after the centre-wing fuel tank exploded, probably following an electrical ignition source.[3]TWA Flight 800 accident reportNational Transportation Safety Board · ntsb.gov · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Compare with
Direct primary sources
Select products in Boeing history — Boeing
Boeing orders and deliveries — Boeing
TWA Flight 800 accident report — National Transportation Safety Board