Celebrating 100 Years of Boeing, from the 707 to the 787
From the 737 MAX popping up at Farnborough to the company's 100th birthday celebration in Seattle, it's been a very busy few days for Boeing. And we've been there for all of it. After a fantastic week at the Farnborough Air Show, I caught a Delta flight to Seattle for Boeing's Centennial celebration, just south of the city.
As part of the festivities, the company lined up its entire 7-Series of airliners, from the 707 to the 787 Dreamliner, and entertained employees with executive addresses (including one from CEO Dennis Muilenburg, who I spotted meeting with David Cameron a few days before) and free visits to the Museum of Flight.
Boeing 7-Series Lineup
The highlight for me was having a chance to check out Boeing's entire 7-Series collection up close. I'll run through each of the planes below.
First up is the Omega Tanker 707, which is currently used for aerial refueling.
Next is a Delta 717, which the airline typically operates on shorter Delta Shuttle routes, such as New York to Boston.
Then a United 727, which is the first 727 Boeing manufactured. It was delivered to United back in 1964.
I also spotted an American Airlines 727, which will soon head to its new home at the National Airline History Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.
Then there's an Alaska Airlines 737, which is decked out in Boeing's Centennial livery. The 737 is Boeing's most prolific plane to date.
I also spotted a 737 MAX in flight, having just departed Boeing Field.
After that there's the Queen of the Skies, the 747, represented by a Cathay Pacific Cargo 747-8.
A Lufthansa 747 passed over the field as well, just before the CEO's address.
Moving on, United made a second appearance with its 757-200.
A Delta 757 flew overhead during the afternoon as well.
Meanwhile, the next 7-Series plane is represented by a FedEx 767 — not exactly the most exciting livery, but FedEx is an important Boeing customer.
Then, nearly all the way at the back is a yet-to-be-delivered Emirates 777-300ER.
And an Emirates 777 in flight, which was coming in to land at SEA.
And last but certainly not least is the same brand-new ANA 787-9 Dreamliner that made an appearance just a few days before at the Farnborough Air Show.
Museum of Flight
Home to Boeing's Centennial celebration, the Museum of Flight is located at King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field.
Visitors can tour a variety of planes, including a version of Air Force One based on the Boeing 707.
Inside, you'll find a variety of aircraft, including the forward section of a USAir (the former name of US Airways) 737.
There's also the only remaining M-21, a variation of the CIA's Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft.
The museum even has its very own Dreamliner — the third model manufactured by Boeing, which wasn't suitable for sale to an airline.
During Boeing's Centennial, there was also an opportunity to see the latest United livery alongside one from (many) years past.
One of the museum's centerpieces is Boeing's "Red Barn" — the original manufacturing plant.
The Museum of Flight is open daily from 9:00am until 5:00pm, with adult tickets available for $21 online or $23 at the door. You can also pre-book a variety of tours for an additional fee.
What's your favorite Boeing airplane?
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.