Boeing is an American aerospace manufacturer whose activities include commercial aircraft, defence products, space systems and aviation services. Its organisation separates Commercial Airplanes, Defense, Space & Security, and Global Services. That breadth makes the company both an aircraft builder and a supplier of support for aircraft throughout their working lives.[1]
Origins
William Boeing established Pacific Aero Products on 15 July 1916, a month after the first flight of the B & W seaplane. The business became Boeing Airplane Company in 1917. Its early market was closely connected to military requirements: the United States Navy ordered 50 Model C training seaplanes after American entry into the First World War. This order provided an important early commercial foundation for the manufacturer.[2][3]
Commercial aircraft
Boeing's commercial catalogue spans single-aisle aircraft, wide-body aircraft and dedicated freighters. The 737 MAX family addresses the single-aisle market, while the 787 and 777 families serve larger-capacity and longer-range operations. The catalogue also distinguishes the 777X programme and 767 freighter. The 747 and 737 Next Generation are listed separately as non-production commercial models. Boeing also offers business-jet versions and commercial-aircraft services for customers operating its passenger and cargo aircraft.[4]
Military aircraft
Boeing's military-aircraft portfolio spans fighters, rotorcraft, transports and surveillance aircraft. It includes the F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18 Growler, alongside the AH-64 Apache and H-47 Chinook helicopter families. The KC-46 serves the tanker role, while the P-8 Poseidon and E-7 are associated with maritime patrol and airborne early warning. Uncrewed programmes include the MQ-25 and MQ-28, extending its work beyond aircraft with onboard crews.[5]
Defence and customer support
Government work was part of Boeing's business from its earliest years, and the company established a Washington office in 1917 as military and postal opportunities expanded. Defence and space remain distinct from its airline business in the corporate organisation. Global Services provides a further strand of activity rather than a separate family of aircraft: the commercial support offering includes flight operations, maintenance and engineering, parts distribution, testing and training. These services accompany aircraft ownership and operation after delivery.[2][1][4]