Many of us are acquainted with various models of Boeing planes, including the 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787. But have you ever paused to consider the pattern of the names of these Boeing planes that begins and ends with the digit “7”? This question puzzled me for quite a while, raising curiosity about Boeing’s apparent fascination with the number “7”.
Interestingly, Airbus, another prominent aircraft manufacturer, also has a unique pattern of its own with most of its models beginning with a “3”. However, they have recently broken their own pattern with the introduction of a plane beginning with the number “2”.
One might think it’s just a random number or perhaps chosen for being ‘lucky’, but the truth is far more interesting. Allow me now to explain the real reason why Boeing has decided to have all commercial jet airliners carry the number ‘7’ in their names.
The Advent of the ‘7’ Era in Boeing Aircraft
The inception of the Boeing company witnessed the production of primarily military aircraft. It was only after the Second World War, under the foresight of the then President William Allen, that Boeing decided to diversify its offerings and venture into the realm of commercial aviation.
During this period of strategic expansion, Boeing was also producing other products such as turbine engines, rockets, and missiles. To maintain a clear distinction among these different lines of products, the company devised a systematic numbering pattern. The series of 300s and 400s were designated for commercial aircraft, 500s for turbine engines, 600s for rockets and missiles, and finally, the 700s were earmarked for jet transport aircraft.
The first aircraft to proudly bear the digit ‘7’ at the start of its name was the 367-80, which was essentially a jet-powered modification of the propeller-driven Model 367. The aircraft then underwent a successful test flight period and the company decided to give it a moniker from the 700 series, as per their newly adopted convention.
A Marketing Masterstroke – The Birth of Boeing 707
When it came to bestowing an official name to the company’s first commercial jet airliner, the straightforward ‘700’ seemed too mundane for the marketing team at Boeing. They felt a need for a name that would not only adhere to the company’s new numbering protocol but also have a certain charm that would resonate with the public. And thus, the Boeing 707 was born.
The decision to rechristen ‘700’ to ‘707’ was purely a marketing strategy. The additional ‘7’ at the end of the model number was added merely because it sounded catchy and had a pleasing ring to it. This creative twist from the marketing team at Boeing ended up creating a branding legacy that has been followed for every subsequent commercial jet airliner the company has manufactured.
Boeing and its Affinity for the Number ‘7’
What started as a simple way to distinguish different product lines, has now become a symbol of the company’s identity. The series of commercial jet airliners – 707, 727, 737, all the way up to the latest 787 Dreamliner – carry forward this legacy of 7s.
The choice of the number 7 in the naming convention was originally due to systematic categorization and a marketing decision. Still, it has now turned into an emblem of trust and reliability that Boeing offers to its customers. This ‘7’ branding has not only helped in establishing a strong identity for the Boeing planes but has also added an aura of mystery and intrigue, piquing the interest of aircraft enthusiasts worldwide.
Wrapping Up the Tale of 7s
The fascinating journey of Boeing from producing the Model 40 to revolutionizing the aviation industry with the 707 offers a glimpse into the company’s pursuit of innovation and excellence. The story behind the ‘7’ in the Boeing plane names is not just about a smart branding decision. It also reflects how the company has continuously adapted itself, evolving from a primarily military aircraft manufacturer to a leader in the commercial jet airliner market.
I hope this sheds light on the reason why Boeing planes carry names that commence and conclude with the digit “7”. It’s captivating to learn that these aircraft names aren’t assigned arbitrarily; they bear significant underlying meanings. While marketing considerations significantly influence these choices, the minor details are also crucial in the process of naming these aircraft.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
