Boeing 314 Clipper
This is the second postcard purchased at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Featured on the card is the Boeing 314 Clipper introduced in 1938. The card is a reproduced vintage illustration by Foundimage.com and has NV 388 at the lower right corner on the reverse.
This plane was developed by Boeing around the same time as the Stratoliner, found on last week's postcard. The 314 Clipper has been described as an American long-range flying boat made between 1938-1941. It was one of the largest aircraft and had sufficient range to cross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Twelve of these planes were built, nine were flown by Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and the United States Navy also used these planes.
Looking to expand, Pan Am requested a trans-Pacific airplane and Boeing’s bid was accepted. Originally Pan Am ordered six planes, then later ordered six more improved planes with increased engine power and room for 77 passengers. Because of World War II some passenger air routes were unable to continue service, hence Pan Am agreed to sell three of the six under construction to the United Kingdom. The BOAC planes were primarily intended for flights between the UK and West Africa. Also, Pan Am’s Clipper fleet was pressed into US military service during WWII ferrying people and equipment to the Pacific and European fronts.
A bit of trivia: Each passenger was allowed up to 77 pounds of baggage free. Extra weight over the limit was charged $3.25 a pound.
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