This week in 1994, the Boeing 777 airliner made its first flight — kicking off a career that would revolutionize the airline industry. (www.businessinsider.com) 更多...
With all due respect, Mr. Zhang is a business writer, not an aviation writer. The points he makes have more to do with the natural evolution of commercial aviation, ETOPS in particular, rather than anything that upended the industry. Nor do some of the points he makes, such as lie-flat seats, have anything to do with the aircraft in question. In many respects this is a fluff piece, filling space with lots and lots of pretty pictures for lack of substance.
For upending an industry, imo, the 747 still maintains that distinction. Double aisles and high bypass turbofans are just the start. Nothing like that had existed previously. Bill Allen knew full well that his commitment to Juan Trippe could bankrupt Boeing. I don't think it's a stretch to characterize this as commercial aviation's equivalent to the moon shot.
Nor could any discussion of upending ignore the massive infrastructure adjustment necessary on the ground. Finally, I'll point out the 747's long, flexible history from the long range SP to multiple military/government applications.
For upending an industry, imo, the 747 still maintains that distinction. Double aisles and high bypass turbofans are just the start. Nothing like that had existed previously. Bill Allen knew full well that his commitment to Juan Trippe could bankrupt Boeing. I don't think it's a stretch to characterize this as commercial aviation's equivalent to the moon shot.
Nor could any discussion of upending ignore the massive infrastructure adjustment necessary on the ground. Finally, I'll point out the 747's long, flexible history from the long range SP to multiple military/government applications.