Boeing's first commercial plane first flew 95 years ago

The B-1 mail plane was the first Boeing-designed commercial aircraft. It first flew on Dec. 27, 1919. Eddie Hubbard, pictured here, flew this one from 1920 to 1927 on the first regularly scheduled international air mail route between Seattle and Victoria, B.C. less The B-1 mail plane was the first Boeing-designed commercial aircraft. It first flew on Dec. 27, 1919. Eddie Hubbard, pictured here, flew this one from 1920 to 1927 on the first regularly scheduled international ... more Photo: Museum Of History & Industry (image No. 1980.6877.176) Photo: Museum Of History & Industry (image No. 1980.6877.176) Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close Boeing's first commercial plane first flew 95 years ago 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

Boeing's first company-designed commercial aircraft, the B-1 mail plane, first flew 95 years ago, on Dec. 27, 1919.

The B-1 was a rear-engined "pusher-style" flying boat with a laminated wood veneer hull, spruce and plywood wing frames. It was 31 feet, 3 inches, long, with a wingspan of 50 feet, 3 inches. It could carry one pilot and two passengers, plus mail or other cargo, reaching 90 mph and 13,300 feet, with a range of 400 miles.

The B-1 above flew the first regularly scheduled international air mail route, between Seattle and Victoria, B.C., from 1920 to 1927. It now hangs on exhibit at the Museum of History & Industry, in Seattle.

Click through the gallery above to check out Boeing commercial propeller planes. Here's another gallery, featuring Boeing's early years.

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