AIRWAYS INDUSTRY
For enthusiasts desiring to bring home a piece of aviation history , the Boeing store boasts souvenirs ranging from sweatshirts to meticulously crafted scale-model jets , coffee mugs , and vintage Boeing Pilot jackets for children and adults .
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE
The tours reopened in October 2023 . The public ’ s reaction ?
“ It has been overwhelmingly positive , as we have been sold out every day ,” said Medlyn . “ The pentup demand and excitement around our product have been contagious . We are pleased with the positive visitor reviews received so far .”
She noted Boeing ’ s commitment to improving its tours . “ We ’ ve invested in every aspect of the experience , from the script to the exhibit content ,” she said . We ’ ve added new elements and updated the storytelling .”
“ Even though the experience is a bit different from the last time , we have made significant investments in every aspect ,” she continued . “ You will see the difference even while walking down the booth hallways .”
A FOCUS ON THE BOEING 777
While the tour has shifted its focus from the iconic 747 to the immersive 777 experience , it continues to captivate seasoned and new visitors , given Boeing ’ s rich history and ongoing innovations in the dynamic world of aviation .
With the entire assembly line for the 787 Dreamliner now operational at Boeing ’ s South Carolina plant , the facility at Paine Field is exclusively dedicated to the Triple Seven family of planes . This means the present 777 Freighter , the groundbreaking 777X , and occasional appearances of the 767 Freighter .
Medlyn explained the rationale behind the shift . “ After the 747 and the 787 were no longer being manufactured in Paine Field , we had to alter our route ,” she said . “ As a result , we are now focusing on improving the 777 experience while incorporating new elements that highlight the entire family of Boeing commercial airplanes . We aim
40 AIRWAYS MAGAZINE MARCH 2024 www . airwaysmag . com