HardCover. Pub Date :2012-08-30 Pages: 168 Language: English Publisher: Haynes Publishing When the Boeing 747 first flew commercially in 1970 it ushered in a new era of affordable air travel Often referred to by the nickname Jumbo Jet. the. 747 was the worlds first wide-body commercial airliner and its advent has proved to be one of the major milestones in aviation history. The centrepiece of this Haynes Manual is the 747-400. which is the most numerous version. As well as being the highest-selling model in the 747 family. there are more 400s currently in service than any other version.