Boeing is an American aircraft manufacturer. The company is one of the leading manufacturers in the world along with others such as Airbus, Dassault and Bombardier. The company was founded in Seattle, USA in 1916 by William Edward Boeing, who was both a pilot and entrepreneur. Boeing performs a variety of design tasks in defense, military and space aviation, as well as in civil aviation and in the production of a variety of aircraft equipment. Let’s take a look at the history and initiatives of this leading company in the aviation world.
The history of Boeing
How Boeing was formed
- 15 July 1916: The aviation company Boeing was formed by two partners William Edward Boeing and George Conrad. The company was originally called B&W but soon changed its name to Boeing Airplane Company.
- 1917: In the middle of a world war, the United States and the Navy had to provide themselves with military aircraft. This was the first order for Boeing, who had to deliver no less than 50 Model C seaplanes ordered for the US Army’s air patrol training.
- 1923: The company manufactured an aeroplane for postal transport. The Model 40A, operated from 1927 on the regular service between Chicago and San Francisco.
- End of the 1920s: Following this, the company wanted to start designing aircraft for passenger transport. An aircraft subsidiary was therefore created, named Boeing Air Transport. Immediately after, the first airplanes for passenger transport were manufactured, notably the Model 80.
Boeing gradually approached many companies specialising in the manufacture of airplanes and all related parts such as engines. Similarly, the aircraft manufacturer also approached airlines it thought could fly its planes. - 1929: Boeing changed its name to United Aircraft and Transport Corporation.
- 1934: Boeing then took over and managed many areas of the aviation industry. This included both aircraft and engine manufacturing, but also a role in airports and airlines. However, a law was introduced that prevented aircraft manufacturers from operating airlines. It was then that the Boeing company was divided into 3 subsidiaries in order to perform the various tasks separately.
- 1938: After a partnership with an American airline (Pan American World Airways), Boeing manufactured an airplane that could make intercontinental and transatlantic connections. Then the Boeing 314 Clipper was put into circulation and made its first flight in June of that year. This civil aircraft was the most important of its time. It had the capacity to accommodate 90 passengers (or 40 people on flights which took place at night).
During this period, Boeing also launched its 307 Stratoliner model. This aircraft had the ability to fly at a higher altitude, which limited the influence of the weather on these flights. Moreover, it was one of the first aircraft to have a pressurised cabin. - 1939-1945: During World War II, Boeing returned to the service of the U.S military by producing models of the B-17 Flying bomber.
- 1955: Building on its success in the United States, Boeing attracted non-US airlines, which included Air France. It was and still is one of the main airlines in France. This company was the first outside the United States to order an aircraft, it was a Boeing 707. This aircraft was known as “Château de Versailles”, making its first test flights in 1957.
The history of Boeing after the 1990s
- 1996-1997: due to the development of the aviation and aerospace sector in this period, particularly in the field of American defense, Boeing bought several companies. For $3.2 billion, Boeing bought Rockwell International, a company which specialised in the defense and space markets. Then Boeing became the owner of McDonnell Douglas, for 13 billion dollars. At the time, McDonnell Douglas was one of the leaders in the manufacturing of defense equipment.
- 2002: With several orders for Boeing airplanes by France (by Air France as well as the French army), the company decided to open new offices in Paris, called Boeing France.
- 2004: After a strong period of aircraft orders (620 in 1999), Boeing experienced a significant decrease in the number of orders. As a result, the company was overtaken by one of its main competitors: Airbus. However, in 2006 with nearly 200 more orders for Boeing, it overtook their competitor once more.
- 2005: Boeing was back on track with 1,005 orders that year. Most of which were its flagship models such as the Boeing 737, the Boeing 787 and the Boeing 777. At the end of that year, the company had no less than 1809 orders for aircraft to be delivered over the next 7 years.
- 2009: Boeing recorded a 28 percent increase in airplane deliveries over the previous year, with a total of 481 commercial aircraft delivered.
- 2010: Air France had a total of 200 Boeing aircraft in its fleet.
The history of Boeing in recent years
- 2011: After several aircraft orders were placed by China, the pace began to accelerate. Then it was the turn of the United Arab Emirates, with the airline Emirates, to order aircraft. They asked for the production of 50 Boeing 777s, long-haul aircraft, for the cost of 18 billion dollars. Lion Air, an Indonesian airline, ordered 230 Boeing 737 medium-haul aircraft for $22 billion shortly afterwards.
- 2014: A record year in the history of the American aircraft manufacturer. It recorded 1,432 orders and delivered 723 aircraft.
- 2016: Air France acquired its first Boeing 787 and its 70th Boeing 777 aircraft.
- 2017: Boeing partnered with Dassault Systèmes. Together they signed a contract worth one billion dollars over a period of 30 years. Dassault provided them with their 3D experience software. This allowed Boeing to improve their aircraft production system.
- 2019: Following 2 accidents with Boeing 737 Max aircraft, some countries and airlines suspended its aircraft models from flying. Some with several aircraft in their fleet claimed damages and repairs from the manufacturer. The company complied while providing financial compensation to the families of the victims of these two crashes.
- 2020: The health crisis due to Covid 19 impacted the airline industry in an extreme way. Following the coronavirus crisis, Boeing significantly cut its workforce. The company cut many jobs and reduced its workforce to 130,000 (compared to 160,000 before the pandemic). The same was true for the company’s revenue, which fell by $12.8 billion compared to 2019.
In the same year, the suspensions against the Boeing 737 max aircraft were gradually lifted. - 2021: Boeing delivered 340 aircraft in 2021.
Boeing’s key figures
Today, Boeing’s main headquarters is in Chicago. The CEO of the company is Dave Calhoun. Boeing is characterised by a few numbers, as follows:
- 150,000: the number of employees in the aviation company.
- 65: the number of countries that the manufacturing company is present in.
- 150: the number of countries that the company operates in. Both with governments and airlines.
- 340: the number of aircraft delivered by Boeing in 2021.
Boeing’s initiatives
Boeing is one of the leaders in the aviation and aerospace industries, as well as in defense and security. It also designs military aircraft, satellites and helicopters. Finally, it is also a specialist in the construction of civil and private aircraft.
This aviation giant also puts its heart into various initiatives that are both socially and environmentally friendly.
Boeing’s corporate citizenship initiatives
The American aircraft manufacturer is committed to organisations and associations that promote employment in local communities. It carries out several initiatives by supporting various programs such as helping to educate young children up to college level. Boeing is also committed to promoting culture and access to art. It also supports through its initiatives, health services as well as social services intended for vulnerable communities. Boeing is committed to engaging citizens in today’s societal issues, no matter what they are. Let’s take a look at Boeing’s latest initiative which is related to the environment.
Boeing’s environmental initiatives
Boeing is committed to building cleaner, more fuel-efficient airplanes. Similarly, the aviation industry is finding solutions to recycle certain resources. It also encourages to work according to and for the sustainable development by 2025. Several environmental initiatives are carried out by Boeing. First, the company is partnering with recycling companies in the UK. This avoids the build-up of carbon fibers, especially from going to landfill sites. In addition, Boeing powers its main production sites with electricity from renewable sources. It is also increasing the use of biofuels (SAF) in its aircraft. These are some of the many initiatives that Boeing is undertaking out of concern for the environment and greenhouse gas pollution.
Boeing’s aircraft fleet
Since its formation in 1916, Boeing has produced many types of aircraft. Both for military, civil and private purposes. These aircraft have been used in many major airlines worldwide. To name just a few, Boeing have provided aircraft to airlines such as Air France, Corsair, Air Austral and XL Airways. Today, there are as many as 12,000 commercial airplanes in use across the globe.
Let’s take a look at two of the main aircraft produced by Boeing. Below is the complete fleet of Boeing commercial aircraft.
- Boeing 747: This aircraft is a long-haul airliner which carries a large number of passengers. It has the capacity to carry up to 450 people on an intercontinental distance of 13,450 km. It is one of the most successful jet aircraft models in the world. And in fact, it was always at the top of the ladder for the largest aircraft with the largest seating capacity. However, it was dethroned by the arrival of the A380 after 37 years in first position. This model of aircraft can also be converted into a cargo aircraft for air freight. In short, since its first flight in 1969, this aircraft has carried no less than 3.5 billion passengers over a distance of 77.8 billion kilometers.
Finally, this aircraft is recognizable by its hump at the front of the aircraft, which is its double deck. It is sometimes even nicknamed the Jumbo Jet. It is sold on the market at 250 million euro.
- Boeing BBJ: The Boeing Business Jet, or BBJ, is a Boeing 737 model but designed for business aviation and luxury services. Instead of having a layout with hundreds of seats, in the BBJ only 20 passengers can travel. However, the interior is designed like a luxury hotel. Different spaces are created such as bedrooms, a dining room, bathrooms and even a multimedia room with cinema or conference room equipped with connected devices. The BBJ is flexible according to passenger requirements and offers a luxury service and experience. This business jet can be compared to the Lineage 1000 from Embraer or the A319 from Airbus. It is sold on the market at 130 million euro.
You now know a little more on the aircraft manufacturer Boeing. At AEROAFFAIRES, we can book all types of aircraft for you! For any additional information, complete our online quote or contact us at +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82 where our team are available 24/7.
