Future of Flight takes off

Boeing Tour Center's new home in Everett opens to public Dec. 17

The new home of one of Washington state's most popular tourist attractions—the Boeing Tour Center, in Everett—opens to the public Dec. 17.

Visitors at the 73,000-square-foot (6,780-square-meter) Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour can create their own jet, then purchase a print to take home; experience the next generation of in-flight entertainment systems; touch the high-tech "skin" of the 787 Dreamliner; and learn how technology and aviation will be used in the future to connect people and cultures across the globe.

"The Future of Flight is a great platform to share how advances in aviation technology have made the world a better, more connected place," said Dan Becker, vice president and general manager of 747/767/777 Programs and the Everett site. "This opportunity to be involved in Future of Flight, which will be enjoyed by our communities, neighbors and families, is largely due to the innovation and vision of the people of Boeing and our amazing airplanes. We are excited to be able to tell the story of our industry and its role in our world."

The center is a joint venture that includes both nonprofit and Snohomish County (Wash.) government agencies including the Future of Flight Foundation, Snohomish County Public Facilities District and the Snohomish County Airport, as well as Boeing. The $26 million project, which was financed in part by the county's public facilities district, "was designed to provide visitors with an understanding and appreciation of the new technology that has been applied to the science of flight," said Barry Smith, the center's executive director.

Boeing has been closely involved in this project, said Dan Rahkonen, the Boeing project manager. "Dozens of Boeing employees participated in everything from the building's design, to outfitting a new Boeing Store with new merchandise, to helping develop the branding," Rahkonen said. "When the doors open to the public there will be an enormous sense of pride by not only the Boeing team that worked on this project, but from the whole Boeing community."

The center will be open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Boeing employees will receive a 50 percent discount on general admission.

General admission is $15, $14 for seniors and active military with ID, and $8 for children ages 6 to 15. Children younger than 6 years old are admitted free. Children must be at least 4 feet tall to take the factory tour; visitors may not carry babies on the tour.

To buy advance tickets for guaranteed tour times, call the Future of Flight Reservation Center at (800) 464-1476 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or (360) 756-0086 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Tickets also can be purchased online; to buy tickets or to get more information, visit www.futureofflight.org.