Boeing 80

The Boeing 80 was Boeing's first purpose-built airliner. A biplane like its predecessor, the Model 40A, it was significantly larger, with three engines, an enclosed flight deck for 2 pilots, and a cabin for 12 passengers. A larger model, the 80A, increased passenger capacity to 18, making its first flight on September 12, 1929.

Despite complaints by pilots accustomed to flying in an open cockpit, the size of the Model 80 required a separate, enclosed flightdeck. The Model 80 carried passengers in a spacious cabin appointed with leather upholstery, reading lamps, forced-air ventilation, and hot and cold running water. The first version carried 12 people, and it was followed by the larger, 18-passenger Model 80A, which made its first flight, Sept. 12, 1929. Ten Model 80As flew for the Boeing airlines.

The 80A also introduced aviation's first female flight attendants, when registered nurse Ellen Church convinced managers at Boeing that women registered as nurses would be a useful part of an aircraft's crew.

General characteristics

• Crew: 3
• Capacity: 18
• Length: 56ft 6in ()
• Wingspan: 80ft ()
• Height: ()
• Max takeoff weight: 17,500lb ()
• Powerplant: 3× Pratt & Whitney Hornet , 525hp () each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 138mph
• Cruise speed: 125mph ()
• Range: 460mi ()
• Service ceiling: 14,000ft ()

Boeing Model 80
Type	Airliner
Manufacturer	Boeing
Maiden flight	1928-07-27