Spotter’s guide

How to identify the Boeing 727

  • 01Three engines clustered at the rear of the fuselage
  • 02A tall T-tail above the center engine intake
  • 03An S-shaped duct feeds the center engine
  • 04Strongly swept wings and a clean, engine-free wing profile

Major variants

727-100727-100C / QC727-200727-200 AdvancedSuper 27 conversions

Notable operators

Eastern Air Lines • United Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • FedEx Express

Why the Boeing 727 matters

The 727 became one of the defining short- and medium-range airliners of the early jet age. It was the first commercial jetliner to pass 1,000 sales and remained important in passenger and cargo service for decades.

Related aircraft

Sources and further reading

Specifications can vary by model, engine, load, and configuration.