Boeing 80A-1, N224M / 1082, Museum of Flight
This picture is © Miklos Szabo and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N224M
Construction Number: 1082
Code Number: NC224M
Model Boeing 80A-1
Operator: Museum of Flight
Airport: Seattle - Boeing Field / King County International (BFI / KBFI), USA - Washington
Photographer: Miklos Szabo
Date Taken: 12/10/2007
Date Submitted: 18/01/2014
Not much info about this particular model, beyond she was manufactured between 1928-1930. The basic 80 type was Boeing's first foray into the airliner market. It could seated 12 passengers and flew with two pilots. First flew July 27 1928. Fuselage made of welded steel and the wooden wingtips were removable for better fit into hangars. Pure leather interior, reading lamps, air ventilation and hot-cold running water for the elite could afford the luxury of flying at the time. The upgraded 80A â first flight September 12 1929 â was even larger accommodating 18 passengers and powered by three 525hp Pratt & Whitney Hornets. And finally: this was the type first introduced stewardess/air hostess on board. The type remained in service until 1933, when it was replaced by the all-metal Boeing 247. Only this ONE model survived, which was retired from United Air Lines 1934, converted into cargo aircraft and operated by an Alaskan construction company with a cargo door cut into the side. Laid on dump since 1960, when it was discovered and donated to the Museum of Flight.
Picture ID:1438583