In 1915 a young William Boeing attended a flight show and it was
here that he convinced himself that a better plane could be built
and that aviation could be more than just mere entertainment.
The following year he and a naval engineer, Conrad Westerveld,
built the B&W, the first Boeing aircraft. After a lengthy
period of recession verging on bankruptcy, the good years returned
with the production of the famous B-17 bomber. In 1969 recession
hit once again, but the resilient company recovered. Boeing merged
with Rockwell in 1996 and McDonnell-Douglas in 1997.
The tour of the plant is fascinating and really highlights just how
much of an influence the company has on Seattle. It is situated about
thirty minutes north of Seattle city and is regarded as the world’s
largest building based on volume. It covers a hugely impressive 98
acres, all of which is under one roof. Here thousands of dedicated
workers go about their daily tasks of collectively assembling 747s,
767s and the latest 777. The tour lasts ninety minutes and starts
with a short documentary. You are then led to the third floor observation
desk to get a view of the final 747 assembly operation. Moving outside,
you are shown the painting, fueling and ground testing operations.
To get an insight into the aviation industry, it is well worth while
taking time out to visit this extraordinary place.
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