You can help us keep FlightAware free by allowing ads from FlightAware.com. We work hard to keep our advertising relevant and unobtrusive to create a great experience. It's quick and easy to
whitelist ads on FlightAware or please consider our
premium accounts.
For upending an industry, imo, the 747 still maintains that distinction. Double aisles and high bypass turbofans are just the start. Nothing like that had existed previously. Bill Allen knew full well that his commitment to Juan Trippe could bankrupt Boeing. I don't think it's a stretch to characterize this as commercial aviation's equivalent to the moon shot.
Nor could any discussion of upending ignore the massive infrastructure adjustment necessary on the ground. Finally, I'll point out the 747's long, flexible history from the long range SP to multiple military/government applications.