Boeing747 by Stewart Wilson

Boeing's 'Queen of the Skies' is one of the most important airliners of any era. It revolutionised air travel, its large passenger capacity allowing fares to be set at a level which allowed millions who hadn't been able to travel overseas to do so.

Developed against a background of commercial uncertainty due to its massive size, the 747 quickly proved to be indispensable for international airlines around the world and has been developed through five major versions over three decades. Whether or not more advanced versions are developed, those that came before ensure that the airliner that opened up the world will remain a significant force for many years.