Aviation

Is the Boeing Factory Tour worth it? A Complete Guide

Welcome to an immersive journey into the heart of aerospace innovation – the Boeing Factory Tour. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the world’s largest building by volume, where dreams take flight and engineering prowess knows no bounds.

One of the top aerospace attractions in Washington State is Boeing Future of Flight, which offers visitors access to the Boeing Everett Factory Tour, Gallery, Sky Deck, and Boeing Store. Situated about 25 miles north of Seattle’s downtown, Boeing Future of Flight is situated in Mukilteo, Washington, next to Paine Field and the Boeing Everett Factory.

Discover the Boeing Everett Factory and the 777 assembly line behind closed doors by taking a tour of the largest factory in the world.

This 80-minute guided tour offers an up-close look at the history of the Everett site, how aeroplanes are made now, and how important it is to the future of commercial aviation.

From the vantage point of the balcony, overlooking the sprawling factory floor, guests are treated to a spectacle of aviation marvels in the making.

Marvel at the iconic 747, 767, 777, and the revolutionary 787 Dreamliners as they inch closer to their maiden flights, evoking a sense of awe and wonder at the artistry of human achievement.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. Beyond the guided tour lies a treasure trove of aviation delights awaiting exploration. Wander through the Future of Flight area, where the Gallery Exhibits beckon with tales of innovation and progress.

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Ascend to the Sky Deck and drink in panoramic views of Paine Field and the Dream Lifter Operations Center, where mighty Dream Lifters take flight in a ballet of engineering prowess.

As you traverse the factory floor, absorbing every detail, the guide’s expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic industry.

For those seeking to explore beyond the guided tour, the Future of Flight area beckons with its Gallery Exhibits, Sky Deck, and Boeing Store.

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Take in panoramic views of Paine Field and the Dream Lifter Operations Center from the outdoor Sky Deck, where the spectacle of Dream Lifters taking flight unfolds before your eyes.

Tickets to the Boeing Factory Tour offer a variety of pricing options to cater to all guests:

Adult (age 16+): $27
Youth (under 16): $17*
Senior (age 65+): $25
Military (with ID): $22
Boeing Employee (with ID): $12
Group Adult (15 patrons or more): $25
Group Youth (15 patrons or more): $15

For those who prefer to explore the Gallery and Sky Deck exclusively, separate admission is available:

Adult (age 16+): $12
Youth (age 6–15): $6*
Senior (age 65+): $10
Military (with ID): $10
Boeing Employee (with ID): $10

*Children under 6 years old enjoy complimentary access to the Gallery and Sky Deck.

Ensure to plan your visit accordingly, as the Boeing facility operates daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with guided tour timeslots available between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

During the peak season from May to September, extended hours are in place, with facility opening from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and guided tours running from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

As you prepare for this awe-inspiring adventure, remember that the Boeing tour is hands-free. Store personal belongings in complimentary lockers, and refrain from bringing purses, electronics, food, or weapons.

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited, ensuring a safe and immersive experience for all aviation enthusiasts.

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly