Boeing has reached a new milestone, giving it a place in the Guinness World Records. Earlier this month, the aerospace company announced that it produced its 10,000th 747 jet. This makes the 737 the world’s most produced commercial airliner, thus receiving recognition by the Guinness World Records.
Of course, the 737 has come a long way over the years. Boeing produced its first 737 in 1967, which you can still see at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Since then, the single-aisle passenger jet has been revamped several times, even including the efficient 737 MAX. The 737 can seat anywhere between 138 to 230 passengers, depending on the specific variant and its configuration.
Boeing actually received the Guinness World Record for the most produced jet in the mid-2000s, during which it received the accolade for the 5,000 737 produced in its Trenton factory. Being that 10,000 is such an important milestone, though, Guinness World Records gave Boeing a second record for its 10,000th 737 produced.
Although Boeing didn’t produce the original 737 until 1964, it actually came up with the design in 1964. According to Wikipedia, Boeing began production of the 737 at King County International Airport. And after it had produced 271 units, it moved production to its Renton factory, where it continues to build the popular airliner. Things haven’t always been bright for the 737, however. In the early 1970s, Boeing experienced a decline in sales for the 737. In 1972, the company only delivered a mere 22 737 jets. However, it’s believed that the U.S. Air Force helped to keep Boeing afloat during this financial hardship by ordering T-43s as well as other aircraft.
When talking abut its 10,000th 737 jet, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister explained that it’s an incredible milestone which represents thoughts of employees and customers for the popular airliner. “This incredible milestone is a testament to the work we do every day to build the most reliable and efficient single-aisle airplane in the world,” McAllister said. “It represents more than 50 years of success and achievement on the part of thousands of Boeing employees past and present, our supplier partners, and our airline customers around the globe who put their confidence in the 737.”
Aside from being the most produced airliner in the world, the 737 also holds the title as being the best-selling commercial airliner in history.
The 737 is truly a one-of-a-kind jet. And now that Boeing has produced 10,000 units, it’s safe to say the 737 will leave its mark in history long after it has been replaced.
