On July 15, 2026, Boeing celebrated 110 years of a remarkable journey to becoming a leading aerospace company in the world. To commemorate this moment, Boeing looks back to former landmark anniversaries, honoring the many achievements and employees who have shaped the company into what it is today.
Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Washington state, the company has evolved from a small seaplane builder into a global aerospace leader.
The company is reflecting on its century-long legacy of innovation, which spans the development of legendary aircraft like the 747 to modern milestones like the 777X and new 737 production lines.
The 110-year milestone was celebrated across the aerospace community, honoring a legacy of pioneering aircraft that have shaped aviation, including:
- Iconic Aircraft: The historic B-17/B-29 bombers, the 707 (ushering in the Jet Age), the 747 “Queen of the Skies,” and the modern 787 Dreamliner.
- Current & Future Fleet: The milestone coincides with production milestones for the flagship 777X and the opening of a fourth 737 MAX final assembly line (“North Line”) at the Everett, Washington facility.
- Global Footprint: Over a century of innovation that has supported space exploration, satellite deployment, and millions of connected passengers.
Silver Anniversary (25 years) – 1941
The company celebrated its silver anniversary of 25 years in 1941.
Golden Anniversary (50 years) – 1966
Twenty-five years later, Boeing celebrated their 50th anniversary with a series of watercolors that were commissioned to highlight Boeing products from 1917 until 1959. This milestone would also be celebrated with an anniversary pin, a display at the Development Center, an executive banquet at the Olympic Hotel in Seattle, and an open house at a newly repainted Plant I.
75 Years – 1991
“Making History Everyday” was the theme for the 75th. A series of commemorative posters, film, and other ephemera were created, along with a traveling exhibition that traveled to various Boeing locations across the country showcasing the company’s milestones.
100 years – 2016
The centennial — “100 Years of Innovation” — featured a massive three-day celebration at the Museum of Flight, which included flights of historic aircraft, a Boeing exhibit and intricate displays.
Boeing employees representing generations of those who have worked at the company also rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on July 15/.
Attended by nearly 100,000 people, the centennial celebration was the culmination of a century of excellence rooted in the pioneering spirit of the Boeing Company.
Today, the company celebrates 110 years. While not a silver, golden or centennial, it’s still a milestone moment. Each decade of Boeing represents a decade of continuous innovation, lessons learned and new beginnings. And as Boeing continues to grow as a company, employees continue to celebrate all those “who have made Boeing what it is”.
Photos courtesy of Boeing
