The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - The First American Jet Airliner
When the Boeing 720 first took to the skies in November 1959, it marked a pivotal moment in aviation history. As the first American-built jet airliner, the 720 ushered in a new era of high-speed, long-distance air travel.
For airlines and passengers alike, the 720 was nothing short of revolutionary. In the propeller-driven era, coast-to-coast flights in the United States could take up to eight hours. The 720 cut this time in half, enabling airlines to offer daily nonstop service between major cities. Suddenly a business trip that once required an overnight stay in Chicago could be done in a day from New York. The travel time savings allowed airlines to increase aircraft utilization and profitability.
For those aboard, the 720 provided a smooth, quiet ride that was leaps and bounds ahead of the noisy piston-powered planes of the past. The cabin was roomy and comfortable, with reclining seats and ample legroom. Large picture windows gave passengers sweeping views of the terrain below. The 720's high cruising altitude above the weather made for a smooth flight, and its powerful turbojet engines carried it along at up to 605 mph.
The 720's performance and range revolutionized long-haul travel. Nonstop flights up to 5,200 miles were now possible, allowing direct overseas services to Europe and South America. The 720 opened up previously time-consuming intercontinental routes, helping usher in the rapid expansion of international air travel in the Jet Age.
Within just a few years of entering service, the 720 established many important long-haul nonstops. It connected New York to London and Paris, Los Angeles to Honolulu, Miami to Caracas, and more. The 720 made New York's JFK Airport an international gateway, and gave Pan Am a competitive edge on transatlantic routes.
The 720 remained in production until 1967, with a total of 154 built. It flew in the fleets of over two dozen airlines worldwide, including United, Delta, Pan Am, Air France, and Lufthansa. Various versions served in passenger, cargo, and military roles. Its eventual retirement coincided with the arrival of larger and more advanced widebody jets.
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - A Game Changer for Long Distance Travel
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - Designed for Speed and Comfort
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - The Plane That Made JFK an International Gateway
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - Opened Up New Long Haul Routes
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - Had a Long Production Run
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - Flew with Major Airlines Worldwide
The Boeing 720 quickly became a workhorse jetliner for major airlines across the globe. Its combination of speed, range, and capacity made it an ideal aircraft for flag carriers seeking to expand their long-haul networks. By the mid-1960s, the 720 was flying in the liveries of over two dozen major airlines on six continents.
In North America, United Airlines was the launch customer for the 720. The airline used it to open up transcontinental nonstop routes like Los Angeles to New York, as well as flights to Hawaii and Mexico. American Airlines also flew the 720 domestically and to Europe and South America. Delta used it on competitive routes from Dallas and Atlanta.
Across the Atlantic, Pan American World Airways relied heavily on the 720 to build up New York JFK as a global gateway. Nonstops from JFK to London, Paris, Rome and beyond helped cement Pan Am's position as America's international airline. Air France, Sabena, Alitalia, and Lufthansa likewise capitalized on the 720's range to offer new long-haul services.
The 720 enabled airlines to efficiently serve far-flung destinations that were previously only possible with propeller airliners making multiple stops. Qantas inaugurated 720 flights from Australia to Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Air India used the jet to connect Bombay and Delhi with East Africa. Aerolineas Argentinas even operated 720s on marathon flights from Buenos Aires to New York with stops.
By virtue of its capacity and ability to use shorter runways, the 720 opened up international flying from smaller cities. Airlines like SAS offered 720 flights from Copenhagen and Stockholm to the U.S. KLM flew the jet from Amsterdam to destinations across Africa, Asia and South America. Even charter airlines like Britannia Airways used 720s to fly vacation packages from the UK to Spain and Greece.
In the Middle East, flag carriers like EgyptAir, MEA and Kuwait Airways acquired 720s to keep pace with Western rivals. In Africa, 720s appeared in the colors of South African Airways, Air Algerie, and other newly independent nations seeking global connectivity.
The 720 was successful not just as a passenger plane, but also in cargo and military roles. UPS, Flying Tigers, and other freight haulers operated 720 freighters. The US Air Force used 720s for VIP transport as Air Force One. Multiple air forces in Asia and South America purchased 720s for troop/cargo transport, aerial refueling, and maritime patrol.
The Boeing 720: An Aviation Icon That Transformed Air Travel - The 720's Legacy and Place in Aviation History
The Boeing 720 holds an important place in aviation history as the pioneer American jetliner that transformed long-haul travel. When it entered service in the late 1950s, the 720 shattered distance barriers with its ability to efficiently connect far-flung cities nonstop. It introduced a new level of speed and comfort, and made overseas destinations more accessible. The 720 paved the way for the rapid growth of global air travel in the Jet Age.
For airlines, the 720 allowed profitable expansion into new long-haul markets. Flag carriers like Pan Am, Air France and Lufthansa relied on the 720 to compete on premier intercontinental routes. The aircraft had the optimal size and range to open up nonstops between major international gateways. The 720's success enabled widebody jets like the 747 and DC-10 to further expand long-haul networks a decade later.
The 720 made overseas travel feasible for more people by reducing travel times. A London-New York crossing dropped from 18 hours to just 8 hours. Flying across the Pacific went from being an ordeal to a routine trip. The 720's range brought Hawaii, Europe and South America within reach of smaller cities that previously lacked nonstop flights. As famed pilot John Travolta once said, "The 720 turned the world into a smaller place."
Passengers welcomed the 720's smooth and quiet ride. Its high-altitude pressurized comfort represented a quantum leap over propeller airliners. The 720 offered luxurious amenities like reclining seats, overhead bins, and lavatories. Its large windows provided unmatched aerial views. For many, traveling on the 720 was their first jet experience.
The 720 pioneered techniques for long overwater navigation. Crews mastered plotting optimum routes and dealing with shifting winds. The 720 proved jets could reliably cross oceans, setting the stage for future ETOPS operations. It was also the first jetliner equipped with thrust reversers, improving safety.