This year saw the program of the legendary Boeing 747 come to an end, with the 1,574th and final example being delivered in January. With this in mind, we thought we'd take a look back at the life and times of Joseph Frederick 'Joe' Sutter, who was involved in turning the dream of the 747 into reality.

Early years

Sutter was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 21st, 1921. Of course, the city is now perhaps best known for its links to Boeing, the company where Sutter would go on to make his name. He became involved with the manufacturer at a young age, working there in the summer of 1940 while studying aeronautical engineering.

The innovator graduated from the University of Washington in 1943. As well as his academic background and work experience at Boeing, Sutter also served in the US Navy as part of the country's role in the Second World War. This made him hot property for aerospace companies, with Boeing and Douglas interested in taking him on.

He opted to work for the former, with the Seattle-based manufacturer's focus on jet aircraft as the future of commercial aviation reportedly having played a key role in the decision. Boeing was one of the key drivers of the 'jet age' thanks to its introduction of the 707, which was one of several designs that Sutter worked on.

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The father of the 747

However, despite being involved in work concerning the 707 and other narrowbodies, Sutter made his name in the widebody sphere. This was because of his role as the chief engineer for the Boeing 747's development. According to The Guardian, the concept for such an aircraft arose in 1965 following a request made by Pan Am chief Juan Trippe, who wanted Boeing to produce a double-decker jet.

Sutter oversaw the development of the 747, with the New York Times noting that he led a team of 4,500 engineers as part of the project. Given the groundbreaking nature of the aircraft, its turnaround time was remarkably quick. It first flew in February 1969, with Sutter's team having worked on the jet in such minute detail that he marked the exact spot on the runway where it would lift off.

Pan Am's leadership worked closely on the 747 program. Smithsonian Magazine highlights that Sutter was keen to give credit where it was due. He shared that if it wasn't for the foresight of Trippe, the 747 wouldn't have occurred. He concluded, "...you wonder, what would the industry look like today without it?"

The rest, as they say, is history. The 747 entered service the following January and revolutionized long-haul air travel for decades to come. The quadjet's humped profile instantly became one of the most recognizable shapes in worldwide aviation, and its lower per-seat costs unlocked long-haul travel for a wider demographic. When all was said and done, Boeing produced nearly 1,600 747s in 54 years.

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Later life

Sutter remained at Boeing after the 747's production was up and running. Indeed, he eventually became the company's Executive Vice President for commercial airplane engineering and product development, before retiring in 1986. Even after Sutter retired, Boeing notes that he continued to consult the company with "a twinkle in his eye, a sharp mind, and an unwavering devotion to aerospace innovation."

As well as winning various awards, Sutter's legacy at Boeing was underlined in 2011 when, on his 90th birthday, the company's primary engineering building for commercial aircraft was named after him. Just over five years later, in August 2016, Boeing announced the sad news that Sutter had passed away aged 95 after being hospitalized for pneumonia-related complications.

Leaving a legacy

January 31st, 2023, marked an emotional day for aviation enthusiasts across the globe. The last 747 to ever be produced was handed over to its final customer, Atlas Air. While the event closes a chapter in aeronautical history, the Queen of the Skies has plenty of life left in her, especially with Atlas Air operating a whopping 52 units.

Fittingly, registration N863GT, the last 747 to be handed over, has a decal of Jo Sutter applied to its livery, with the words 'Forever Incredible' underlining his name.

Thanks to Sutter's ambitions and genius, we will be talking about him and his work for generations to come.

What are your memories of Joe Sutter and the Boeing 747? Have you ever flown on the aircraft over the years? Let us know what you think of the plane and its operations in the comments.

Sources: Boeing, New York Times, The Guardian; Smithsonian Magazine

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker