Overview
The Boeing Company is a multinational corporation that has been at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing for over a century, designing and producing airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington, the company has evolved through mergers, including the significant merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Today, Boeing is among the largest global aerospace manufacturers, ranking as the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world based on 2022 revenue. With its headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, Boeing operates through three primary divisions: Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Boeing Global Services. The company's impact on the aerospace industry is undeniable, with a record $62.3 billion in sales in 2021 and a ranking of 54th on the Fortune 500 list. Boeing's legacy and influence extend beyond its financial success, shaping the course of aviation history and pushing the boundaries of innovation in space exploration and defense technology.