The Australian Aviation Galleries: The Boeing 707

The Boeing 707 is widely regarded as one of the most important aircraft in aviation history. It was the first commercial jet airliner to be produced by American aviation manufacturer Boeing, and it ushered in a new era of air travel. Its development began in the early 1950s when Boeing saw the potential for jet-powered commercial aircraft. They had experience building military jets, but the challenge of designing a safe, reliable and profitable passenger aircraft was immense. Boeing’s engineers faced numerous obstacles, such as designing engines powerful enough to lift the aircraft and creating a fuselage that could withstand the pressure of flying at high altitudes.

After several years of research and development, the Boeing 707 made its maiden flight on July 15, 1954. It was an instant success, and orders began pouring in from airlines around the world. The 707 was a game-changer, offering unprecedented speed and comfort to passengers, as well as cutting travel times dramatically. The 707 was initially designed to carry up to 179 passengers, but its seating capacity could be increased to over 200 with the installation of additional seats. The aircraft was also capable of flying at high speeds of up to 977 km/h, and the first iteration was powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojet engines. This gave the aircraft the ability to climb steeply and quickly to high altitudes, making it a popular choice for airlines flying long-haul routes.

Qantas’ first Boeing 707 arrived in Sydney on July 29, 1959, and was greeted by thousands of excited onlookers. The aircraft, which was named the City of Canberra, was the first jet-powered aircraft to be operated by Qantas, and it marked a major turning point for the airline. Its introduction allowed The Flying Kangaroo to significantly expand its operations and offer passengers a faster and more comfortable flying experience.

The 707 remained a key part of Qantas’ fleet for more than two decades, and the airline operated a total of 45 707s during that time. However, by the 1970s, the aircraft was starting to show its age, and the last was retired in 1979. If you want to see one yourself, City of Canberra (previously VH-EBA)  is on display at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach in Queensland, sat next to its bigger brother, the 747.