The Boeing Company has a long and storied history in aviation and aerospace. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington, Boeing has grown to become the largest global aircraft manufacturer. Known for iconic airplanes like the 747 jumbo jet, the 737, and the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing’s reach extends worldwide. Boeing Factory Tour designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide.
Boeing offers public tours at several of its manufacturing facilities, providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go behind the scenes and see commercial jets being built. On the factory tour, you’ll observe first-hand how Boeing brings together the latest technology, highly skilled workers, and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to produce some of the most advanced aircraft in the world today. From the 737 factory in Renton, Washington to the 787 factory in North Charleston, South Carolina, Boeing factory tours allow visitors to experience the magic and complexity of aircraft production.
Getting There
Visitors can take public tours at Boeing’s Everett factory located just north of Seattle, Washington and Boeing’s North Charleston factory in South Carolina.
To reach the Everett factory, visitors flying into Seattle will want to rent a car or take a rideshare service from the airport to make the approximately 45 minute drive north. Another option is to take the commuter rail line from Seattle to Everett Station and then catch a bus or rideshare to cover the last few miles to the Boeing factory.
For the North Charleston factory, visitors flying into Charleston can rent a car or take a rideshare service directly from the airport to the Boeing facility, which is only a 15-20 minute drive away. An alternate option is to take a bus from downtown Charleston out to the Boeing site.
Both factory locations offer free parking for tour guests. But keep in mind that traffic and parking can get congested during peak tour times, so arrive early.
What to Expect
The typical Boeing factory tour lasts 60-90 minutes, depending on the specific location. Tours cover both indoor and outdoor portions of the facility, allowing visitors to observe different aspects of aircraft production and assembly.
Tour groups are usually limited to 20-30 people for manageability and to allow everyone an up-close view. Groups begin the tour by watching a short video overview of Boeing history, then set out with a guide to walk through select areas of the factory buildings and tarmacs.
Inside, tourists can see engineers and technicians conducting quality control tests, moving parts with cranes, and assembling plane sections. The indoor viewing areas provide a glimpse directly onto the factory floor from behind large glass windows.
Outdoors, the tour moves between buildings to see planes being transported, flight testing, and more. Guides usually pause during the outdoor portions to allow for photos with airplanes. The full route enables visitors to witness the many steps of building commercial jets from start to finish.
With both indoor and outdoor viewing, reasonable group sizes, and experienced guides, Boeing factory tours give an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at airplane manufacturing. The length allows you to see key areas without getting overwhelmed.
Safety Requirements
Boeing Factory Tours want visitors to have an insightful experience, while ensuring the environment remains secure for employees as well. Abiding by the safety guidelines allows everyone to have an enjoyable and hazard-free tour. If you have questions about anything prohibited, be sure to contact the tour operator ahead of time.
Tour Highlights
One of the main attractions of the Boeing factory tour is getting an inside look at airplane assembly buildings to see airplanes in various stages of production. Visitors are able to view the intricate and meticulous manufacturing processes involved in creating these massive yet remarkably precise machines.
Some of the highlights include:
-
Watching fuselage sections being joined together by giant overhead crane systems. The precise alignments needed are an impressive feat of engineering.
-
Observing wings being attached to the fuselage. The wings give an airplane its unique shape and capabilities. It’s fascinating to see them seamlessly integrated onto the plane’s body.
-
Seeing planes in the paint hangars, where they receive their distinctive liveries. The paint adds vibrancy and protects the exterior surfaces.
-
Peering into the flight line hangars where finished planes undergo final testing and quality checks before delivery to airlines. It’s the culmination of years of work to get them ready for passengers.
-
Glimpsing the enormous spar mill and automated drilling machines used to create intricate components. Boeing’s manufacturing capabilities are a marvel of technology.
Getting to watch gleaming new aircraft gradually take shape on the factory floor provides a one-of-a-kind perspective on aviation and modern manufacturing. Seeing the attention to detail at each step gives an appreciation for the immense efforts behind creating these engineering masterpieces. For aviation enthusiasts, the Boeing tour offers a behind-the-scenes look they won’t find anywhere else.
Behind the Scenes
Most Boeing factory tours only provide access to a small portion of the massive airplane assembly buildings. Unless you manage to snag an ultra-exclusive VIP tour, there are manyrestricted areas off-limits to the general public.
The most exclusive behind-the-scenes access is reserved for high-profile corporate clients and government officials. These customized tours grant visitors access to Boeing’s research and development facilities, experimental technology labs, and executive briefing centers. The itinerary is tailored specifically for each group with opportunities to view proprietary equipment and new innovations not seen by the public.
Boeing’s classified military projects and confidential corporate initiatives take place in isolated, high-security areas. The company closely protects its intellectual property and latest designs. While most factory tours observe the public 737 and 777 assembly lines, Boeing’s defense division works on advanced military aircraft like the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet behind closed doors.
Other off-limit zones include the airfield runways, engineering test centers, and flight simulation labs. These areas contain equipment and technology too sensitive for public viewing. While the public only sees glimpses of aircraft in their final stages, VIP guests may access areas where designs are tested and new models are conceived.
The public factory tours offer an amazing experience, but many of Boeing’s cutting-edge innovations and experimental projects remain hidden from view. Those wanting the full behind-the-scenes access must have security clearance and a need-to-know purpose for entering Boeing’s most secretive facilities.
Touring the Gift Shop
The Boeing gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs and merchandise for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. From apparel to toys, home goods to memorabilia, you’ll find plenty of Boeing-branded items available for purchase after your tour.
Browse through racks of t-shirts, jackets, hats, and accessories displaying the iconic Boeing logo and images of commercial airliners. Pick out a model airplane or helicopter to assemble at home. Peruse books about aviation history and Boeing’s aircraft through the decades. Kids can choose from stuffed animals, coloring books, puzzles and more.
Don’t forget to grab a snack or drink to enjoy during your drive home! The gift shop carries an assortment of packaged snacks, candy, chips, bottled water, soft drinks and Seattle coffee. Take home a piece of your factory tour experience with a souvenir mug, water bottle or tote bag.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect memento from your tour or wanting to pick up a treat for the road, Boeing’s gift shop aims to please aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Bring home a piece of Boeing history after exploring their impressive aircraft manufacturing facilities.
Boeing Test Flights
One of the most exciting parts of a Boeing factory tour is the opportunity to view test flights at Boeing Field. Boeing conducts rigorous flight testing on all of its commercial aircraft before delivery to airlines.
Test flights allow Boeing pilots and engineers to evaluate aircraft performance and handling characteristics. Flights tests are conducted on prototypes and production models to ensure they meet all safety and regulatory requirements.
On your factory tour, you may be able to watch as the latest Boeing jet takes off or lands at the airport. Seeing an aircraft with unique test paint schemes is a rare treat for aviation enthusiasts. You’ll gain insight into the important steps Boeing takes to verify airworthiness.
While you won’t be able to listen in on communications between the cockpit and ground crews, you’ll still get a behind-the-scenes look at flight testing. Your guide can point out key parts of the test regimen and procedures.
If no test flights occur during your tour, you can still visit the Boeing flight line. Here you can get an up-close view of 737s, 747s, 767s, 777s and 787s in various stages of production. You’ll see Boeing’s enormous logistical operations that keep aircraft deliveries running smoothly.
Watching a test flight is an unforgettable part of a Boeing factory tour. You’ll learn how dedication to safety and innovation keeps Boeing on the cutting edge of aviation.
Future of Boeing Tours
The future looks bright for Boeing’s Everett factory tours. With new airplane models like the 777X coming to the factory floors soon, there will be exciting developments for visitors to see.
Boeing is always innovating and trying to improve the customer experience. We may see changes to the tour format in the coming years. One possibility is opening up more behind-the-scenes access for small groups. This could allow visitors to get an even closer look at airplane assembly and interact with Boeing tour guides for a more personalized experience.
Virtual reality technology could also play a role in future tours. Imagine wearing a VR headset to simulate walking around a 747 or the buzzing factory floor. VR could enable those who can’t visit in person to still experience the tour.
Boeing’s Chicago headquarters also offers tours that may see updates. We may see these tours feature innovations like robotics in airplane manufacturing. As Boeing develops new eco-friendly practices, tours could highlight these sustainability efforts as well.
While the classic Everett Boeing Tour will continue, visitors should expect some exciting enhancements.New airplane models coming to the factory will lead to an even more impressive tour. So book your visit today to see the future of flight!
Planning Your Visit
Planning ahead is essential for a rewarding Boeing factory tour experience. Tours are free, but you’ll need to grab tickets in advance on Boeing’s website. Make sure to review reservation requirements before booking.
Come prepared with closed-toe shoes and government-issued photo ID. Leave large bags and cameras behind as they aren’t permitted on the walking portions of the tour. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Free parking is available at the Future of Flight Aviation Center where the tours depart.
Consider pairing your Boeing tour with visits to other nearby aviation attractions like the Museum of Flight or Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum. The Aviation High School is right next door to the Future of Flight Aviation Center as well.
Many excellent lodging options exist close to the Boeing facility in Everett. Hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle North/Everett, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Everett and La Quinta Inn & Suites Seattle Everett offer comfortable rooms just a short drive from the tour starting point. Extended stay options like Homewood Suites by Hilton Seattle-Everett Mall also available if you want to turn your Boeing tour into a longer Puget Sound region getaway.
With a little planning, your Boeing factory tour experience will result in an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at commercial jet production. Enjoy learning about the intricate process of aircraft manufacturing up close.
