1970Reputable sourceWell documented
The Boeing 747 and the Wide-Body Revolution
On the timeline · around 1970 ·
What happened
In 1970 the Boeing 747 'Jumbo Jet' entered service, carrying more than twice as many passengers as earlier jets. Its enormous capacity dramatically lowered the cost per seat, and it spawned a generation of wide-body airliners that made intercontinental travel affordable to the masses.
Why it matters
The 747 democratized long-distance air travel, helping turn flying from a luxury into something within reach of ordinary people and fueling the age of global tourism and commerce.