Boeing

On July 15, 1916, William Boeing incorporated Pacific Aero Products Co., which was renamed Boeing Airplane Company in 1917. This marked the beginning of one of the most significant aerospace giants. Boeing started with a focus on building seaplanes and eventually expanded into military and commercial aircraft manufacturing, becoming one of the world's leading aerospace companies.

Boeing Air Transport was founded on July 1, 1927. It was created to operate airmail routes and later expanded to include passenger services. This move was part of a vertical integration strategy that helped Boeing expand its operations beyond manufacturing into commercial aviation and air transport services, solidifying its position in the aviation industry.

The Boeing 737 made its maiden flight on April 9, 1967. This aircraft would go on to become one of the best-selling jetliners in history. Initially designed for short to medium-haul flights, the 737's modular and flexible design has allowed it to evolve into multiple variants, serving millions of passengers worldwide and becoming a staple in fleet operations for airlines globally.

The iconic Boeing 747, also known as the 'Jumbo Jet', had its first flight on February 9, 1969. The 747 revolutionized air travel with its size, range, and capacity, making long-haul travel accessible and affordable. It quickly became a symbol of commercial aviation and set new benchmarks for aircraft performance and engineering, changing the landscape of the airline industry.

On December 15, 1996, Boeing announced its acquisition of Rockwell Aerospace and later McDonnell Douglas. These strategic acquisitions significantly enhanced Boeing's capabilities and market position in both military and commercial sectors. By integrating McDonnell Douglas, Boeing absorbed its major competitor, solidifying its presence as one of the largest aerospace manufacturers globally.

On September 11, 2001, four commercial jetliners were hijacked as part of coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States. These included Boeing 757s and 767s. The events had a profound impact on global security, aviation policies, and Boeing's business operations, leading to stronger aviation safety measures. The aftermath reshaped Boeing's production and focus on defense and security technologies.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service on September 26, 2011, with launch customer All Nippon Airways. The Dreamliner introduced significant advancements in efficiency and passenger comfort, utilizing composite materials and next-generation technology. Its development was a major engineering challenge, overcoming delays and redesigns to deliver a state-of-the-art aircraft that reduced fuel consumption and increased operational capabilities for airlines.

On March 13, 2018, the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes that revealed design flaws in the aircraft's flight control systems. Boeing faced intense scrutiny over its safety practices and regulatory oversight, leading to the longest grounding in aviation history. The event forced Boeing to halt production and undertake extensive redesigns, impacting its reputation and financial outcomes.

On June 29, 2020, the Boeing 777X completed its first flight. As the latest in Boeing's long-haul fleet, the 777X features composite wings and new-generation engines, delivering improved fuel efficiency and range. The 777X represents Boeing's continued innovation in large aircraft design, enhancing capabilities for international travel markets amidst challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery in global air traffic.

The Boeing CST-100 Starliner conducted its second unmanned orbital flight test on December 16, 2021. After the initial test faced challenges, this mission aimed to demonstrate Starliner's readiness for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The spacecraft underwent a successful launch, orbited the Earth, and returned safely, marking an important step for Boeing in human spaceflight and partnerships with NASA for future missions to the International Space Station.