In June 1994, the first 777 rolled out of the factory in Everett, Wash. Mechanic Jerry Foster helped build it and now, 23 years later, he’s part of another milestone — the 1,500th 777.

"No matter the line number, our teams put in the same effort, with safety and quality as top priorities,” said Foster, who works on 777 wings. “It still makes me very proud seeing these airplanes go out the door.”

LN1500, a 777-300ER, was delivered to United Airlines — a fitting customer, as United also took delivery of the very first 777 in 1995.

"I love this airplane — it’s a workhorse,” said Marla Cotter, 777 aft section team member. “People on this program bring generations of experience. I learn so much every day.”

While designing and building today’s 777, teams are also helping transform the production system in preparation for the 777X, which begins delivering in 2020.

By John Flick