The Boeing 707 is a four-engine jet airliner that revolutionized commercial air travel in the 1950s. First introduced in 1958, it was one of the first jets to be widely used by airlines, offering faster and more efficient travel compared to propeller-driven aircraft. Its design allowed for long-range flights, making it popular for international routes. The Boeing 707 could carry up to 189 passengers, depending on the configuration, and was known for its distinctive hump on the fuselage. It played a significant role in shaping the modern airline industry and paved the way for future jetliners, influencing designs like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A300.