#AtoZ 1968 – “J” is for jumbo jet

“You’re going to get a concept that maybe this really is one world and why the hell can’t we learn to live together like decent people.” ~ Astronaut Frank Borman, on seeing the entire earth from outer space as he and the crew of the Apollo 8 returned from orbiting the moon.

In 1968, the Boeing 747 was the world’s largest civilian airplane. It made its debut on September 30, although the airplane didn’t receive its certification for commercial service until December 1969.

The 747’s original nickname was ‘jumbo jet,’ and it was the first wide-body airplane produced. It could carry up to 490 passengers and 33 attendants. The fuselage was 225 feet long and the tail was as long as a six-story building. And, of course, the 747 had its famous ‘double deck,’ an upper floor usually for first-class passengers. By the way, a one-way ticket to Rome would cost around $3,000 in today’s dollars. But yes, you’d have had more leg room, and meals.

BONUS MUSIC!

Here’s the #43 song from Billboard’s Year-End Top 100 Singles of 1968

“Classical Gas” by Mason Williams