The Blue Side Up

The Boeing 757 is a fuel-efficient jetliner that is known for passenger comfort and low noise levels. The twin-engine aircraft is widely used since it can fly both long and short-range routes. During the initial production years, sales were slow. However, the aircraft soon became popular and went on to become one of the bestselling Boeing aircraft.

History
During the 1970s, Boeing was looking to replace the 727 with a new design that will be more fuel efficient and still not compromise on speed or general performance. A number of designs were brought forward, many of them featuring the T-tail and nose of the 727. However, as the decade came to a close, Boeing decided to go for a more conventional design. The new design had an all new high bypass turbofan engine that was more fuel efficient, a new flight deck, nose and wing.

Development
In March 1979, development of the Boeing 757 commenced after Eastern and British Airways made orders. The aircraft was developed with most of the technology used in the 767. The two share a number of technologies, systems and designs including a larger wide body.

Design
The 757 came with more advanced and improved capabilities over the 727. Some of the new technologies used on the 757 included an enhanced flight management system and Rockwell Collins CRT displays. The aircraft’s wing was made of lightweight materials. The interior featured cabin and lighting architecture designs that created a more spacious impression. The interior bins and paneling were made of crushed honeycomb to save weight and the main exits had a combination of slide rafts similar to those on the 747.

The Boeing 757’s maiden flight was on February 19, 1982 and in the following year, the aircraft entered service. In October 28, 2004, production of the 757 came to an end. During its years in production, over 1,050 aircraft had been built. A number of variants were also made during the production period. The most common one was the 757-200, which accounted for 757 of all orders made. Other subsequent versions included the 757-200M Combi, the 757-200PF Package Freighter and the 757-300.

Usage
The 757 has been purchased for private service, military and government use. It is the official transport for the President of Argentina, the United States Air Force (USAF) uses it for VIP duties and the Royal New Zealand Air Force uses a modified version for VIP transport, troop movements, medical evacuation and delivering equipment.