The Boeing 707-100 was the initial production version of the Boeing 707 series, marking the beginning of Boeing’s commercial jetliner era. First flown in 1957 and entering service in 1958 with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), the 707-100 introduced the world to jet-powered passenger air travel on a large scale. It was shorter and lighter than later variants and powered by four turbojet engines.

Though it was eventually succeeded by more capable versions, the 707-100 laid the groundwork for modern air travel and was instrumental in establishing Boeing as a dominant force in the global aerospace industry.

Key Specifications (Boeing 707-120 configuration)

• Crew: 3 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Approximately 137 passengers in a typical two-class layout.
• Length: 44.04 m (144 ft 5 in).
• Wingspan: 39.88 m (130 ft 10 in).
• Height: 12.93 m (42 ft 5 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~119,000 kg (262,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Pratt & Whitney JT3C-6 turbojet engines.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~855 km/h or 531 mph).
• Range: ~6,110 km (3,800 mi).
• Ceiling: ~39,000 ft (11,900 m).

Notable Features

• First commercial jetliner produced by Boeing.
• Shorter fuselage and lighter structure than later variants.
• Used turbojet engines, which were louder and less fuel-efficient than later turbofan designs.
• Helped launch the era of global jet travel, significantly reducing travel times.
• Pressurized cabin and swept-wing design for long-range, high-speed performance.

Variants

• 707-100 – The standard commercial version powered by JT3C engines, used primarily by Pan Am and American Airlines.
• 707-138 – A shortened, long-range version developed specifically for Qantas, with increased fuel capacity.
• 707-120B – An upgraded version with JT3D turbofan engines and aerodynamic improvements.

Operators & Usage

• Originally operated by Pan Am, which launched the aircraft on transatlantic routes.
• Also used by airlines such as American Airlines, Braniff International, and Continental Airlines.
• Later versions and upgrades extended the aircraft’s lifespan in both civilian and military roles.
• Retired from most commercial passenger service by the early 1980s, but influenced the design of many future airliners.