IATA B72ICAO B720

Boeing 720B

Boeing

TravelerPulse profile

Lightweight 707 variant optimized for domestic routes.

First flight

1959

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

140–149

Range

6,690 km

Engines

4× Pratt & Whitney JT3D-1 or JT3D-3 turbofans

Status

Retired

The Boeing 720 (originally designated 707-020) was a derivative of the Boeing 707 designed for shorter domestic routes. It featured a lighter structure, modified wing with full-span leading-edge slats, and reduced fuel capacity compared to the 707, giving it better performance on shorter sectors. The 720B designation refers to the turbofan-powered variant, retrofitted or built with Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofan engines in place of the earlier turbojet powerplants. This upgrade significantly improved fuel efficiency, range, and reduced noise levels, making the aircraft more economical to operate. A total of 154 Boeing 720s were built, with the majority eventually converted to or delivered as 720Bs. The type served with numerous major carriers through the 1960s and 1970s before being retired as more modern wide-body jets entered service.

Notable operators

Major operators included United Airlines, American Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, Braniff International, and Pakistan International Airlines.

Notable facts

›Originally designated the Boeing 707-020 before being rebranded as the 720.
›Featured a modified wing with full-span leading-edge slats for improved short-field performance.
›The 720B turbofan variant offered significantly better fuel economy over the original turbojet 720.
›Total production was 154 aircraft across both the 720 and 720B variants.
›The type gained notoriety from its use in the famous Boeing 'Kaleidoscope' promotional films of the 1960s.

Read more on Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Specifications may be inaccurate or vary by variant/operator — verify with the manufacturer before relying on them.

Encyclopaedia

The Boeing 720 is a retired American narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Announced in July 1957 as a 707 derivative for shorter flights from shorter runways, the 720 first flew on November 23, 1959. Its type certificate was issued on June 30, 1960, and it entered service with United Airlines on July 5, 1960. A total of 154 Boeing 720s and 720Bs were built; production ended in 1967. As a derivative, the 720 had low development costs, allowing profitability despite relatively few sales.

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