Some time ago I wrote about visiting Boeing's Everett factory near Seattle. Now a reader, planning to make his first trip to Seattle, wants to see where the plane he will be flying on was made and asks how he can see the factory.
In 1966, Boeing first announced its plans to build the wide-bodied 747 capable of carrying twice as many passengers as any previous model. First, a huge factory capable of handling the huge planes had to be built; it was and is the world's largest building. Tours began almost as soon as the first worker arrived, and now it is a popular tourist site.
Most start at the tourist center with exhibitions and a theater. More than 140,000 people take the free, hour-long tour each year. If you have children, they must be over 127-cm tall to go along. It is exciting to watch the giant planes -- 747s, 767s and 777s -- being put together. For more information about your own tour, e-mail [email protected] or phone (access number) +1 (206) 544-1264 or toll free (in the U.S.) (800) 464-1476.