Boeing 727-200 Flying TigersBoeing 727 Flying Tigers airplane models. With estimates suggesting a potential market for 300 or more aircraft, the first Model 727, a production airplane with United Airlines insignia, made its maiden flight on February 9, 1963. Sales were not up to expectations, and by late 1964 it had become clear to Boeing's management that there was a growing demand for a higher capacity short range transport airplane, and the decision to develop a stretched