The world's first modern passenger aircraft

Although only 75 were produced, the Boeing 247 still went down in aviation history as "the world's first modern passenger aircraft".

In the vibrant history of aviation, one aircraft model left an indelible mark, shaping the course of the industry for years to come. The Boeing 247 stands out as a key aircraft that not only revolutionized air traffic of its time but also laid the foundation for the future of aviation, according to Simple Flying .

Boeing 247 aircraft model at the US National Air and Space Museum. (Photo: Simple Flying)

Boeing 247 first took off on February 8, 1933. It was during this time that a change in aircraft design was introduced. This is the first modern passenger aircraft with an all-metal shell design. Aerodynamic achievements on the Boeing 247, such as fully retractable landing gear, smoothly angled wings and elongated fuselage, set new standards for performance and functionality.

These improvements not only improved the speed and range of the Boeing 247 but also influenced the design of many future generations of aircraft. The focus on aerodynamics became a milestone in the evolution of commercial and military aircraft. One of the groundbreaking features of the Boeing 247 is the small flap located at the tail of the aircraft that helps support controls , autopilot functions, and anti-icing systems on the wings and tail. This makes flying easier and safer, while also reducing the pilot's workload.

As the first twin-engine all-metal airliner , the Boeing 247 changed the economics of air travel. The vehicle is faster, more reliable and more cost-effective than its predecessors, leading to increased demand for air traffic. That change laid the foundation for the modern airline industry by making air travel more accessible and efficient.

Although only 75 Boeing 247s were produced, their influence on the aviation industry lasted for decades. The technological achievements introduced by this pioneering aircraft became a key factor in later aircraft design, contributing to the rapid and complex development of the aviation industry.