United Begins Flying the 247

On March 20, 1933, United Airlines began flying the new Boeing 247, a major step forward in commercial aviation. The aircraft was the first modern all-metal monoplane to use stressed-skin construction, a design in which the outer surface of the plane helped bear part of the load. This made the aircraft stronger, lighter, and more efficient than many of the wood-and-fabric planes that had come before it. With its streamlined appearance and advanced engineering, the Boeing 247 represented a new generation of airliner.

The Boeing 247 had a cruising speed of 155 miles per hour and a range of 485 miles, giving it clear advantages in speed and reliability over earlier passenger aircraft. It could carry 10 passengers, a modest number by later standards, but at the time it offered a more modern and comfortable way to travel. Its introduction helped push commercial flying further into the mainstream and marked an important moment in the development of the American airline industry.