For years, a trip to Everett has been one of our highlights when traveling in Seattle. Just about 50 kilometers north of the city lies the massive Boeing factory right next to Paine Field Airport – a must-see for all aircraft fans. Giants like the Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 are manufactured here. And it was here in January 2017 that we spent an exciting day among the factory halls, runways, and all sorts of aircraft action.
The Boeing plant in Everett – an aviation giant
The plant opened in 1968 for the final assembly of the iconic Boeing 747 and has been expanded several times since then. Today, the facility encompasses a production area of over 400,000 square meters—equivalent to more than 50 football fields. With an internal volume of approximately 13.3 million cubic meters, the assembly hall is considered the second-largest building in the world. Standing in front of it, you sense the sheer scale—it's almost like a city of its own.
What's particularly exciting is that many of the aircraft manufactured here are still unpainted. During our visit, we saw numerous "green" jets, their aluminum skins gleaming with a light green anti-corrosive coating. These aircraft often complete their first test flights directly from Paine Field before rolling into the paint shop.
When is the best time for planespotting in Everett?
The most exciting question for every spotter is: When does something take off or land here? The answer: There is no fixed flight schedule. Test flights usually take place on weekdays and are scheduled at short notice. This makes spotting a bit of an adventure—you never know exactly what's coming. Our tip: Keep an eye on it. Flightradar24 This way, you can tell whether a freshly produced Dreamliner or a 777 freighter is taking to the skies.
Future of Flight & Stratodeck – the perfect vantage point
The Future of Flight Museum is not only a highlight for technology fans, but also a paradise for plane spotters. From the free "Stratodeck" observation deck, you can look directly at Runway 16R and Boeing's massive assembly halls. During our visit, numerous like-minded people were there with cameras, binoculars, and radio scanners – the atmosphere was almost reminiscent of a small festival for aviation enthusiasts.
If the terrace is closed, there are small hills right next to the parking lot that offer just as good a view – and without the annoying chain-link fence.
Tour of Paine Field – Spotter Insider
If you have some time, it's worth taking a short tour around the entire airport grounds. There are parking options at several locations, which also offer a great view of the runway. As long as you don't enter the Boeing company premises, things are generally problem-free – although security tolerates prying eyes but keeps a close eye on things.
Our conclusion: A must for aviation fans
For us, visiting the Boeing factory in Everett was always a highlight. The mix of gigantic production, rare aircraft types, and the incomparable atmosphere of Paine Field makes this place unique. Anyone who is fascinated by the world of flight shouldn't miss this experience on a trip to Seattle. You can find more information about the "Future of Flight" museum and the highly recommended Boeing tour on the official website. Website.
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