Boeing 747 / AmericanAmerican Airlines Boeing 747 airplane model. The 747 was a revolutionary aircraft that had a significant impact on the airline industry. With its larger size and ability to reduce operating costs per seat, it made long haul international flights more affordable. Boeing's development of the 747 in the mid 1960s was sparked by their loss of a contract for a large US Air Force transport, which ultimately led to the creation of the Lockheed C 5 Galaxy.