Summary
King County Airport, also known as Boeing Field, is one of the principal aircraft testing and finishing sites for the major US manufacturer, and is home to one of America’s greatest aviation museums.
In this guide we’ll look at the spotting opportunities when visiting this airport.
About Boeing Field
Building No. 105, Boeing Airplane Company at Boeing Field.
Located just five miles south of downtown Seattle, Boeing Field / King County International Airport (ICAO: KBFI) is a hub of aviation activity with a rich history. Opened in 1928, the airport was named after William Boeing, founder of the Boeing Company, and played a critical role in the early development of commercial aviation in the Pacific Northwest.
Boeing Field has long been a key player in the aviation industry, serving as a primary hub for Boeing’s production and delivery operations. It was even Seattle’s main airport until the opening of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in 1944. Today, the airport remains vital for general aviation, cargo, and corporate jet traffic, as well as for Boeing’s commercial aircraft testing and delivery, particularly for the 737 series.
Airport Layout
Bernstea, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The airport spans approximately 634 acres and features two runways: the main 10,000-foot Runway 14R/32L and the shorter 3,710-foot Runway 14L/32R, primarily used for general aviation.
Its layout includes extensive facilities for Boeing’s operations, FBOs (fixed-base operators) for private aviation, and maintenance hangars.
Aviation enthusiasts will also find the Museum of Flight located adjacent to the airport, offering an excellent vantage point for spotting and exploring aviation history.
Seattle Boeing Field Spotting Guide
Spotters at Ruby Chow Park
Spotters frequent Boeing Field for its diverse aircraft movements, from Boeing 737s fresh from the factory to private jets, cargo planes, and occasional military flights. The dynamic mix of traffic and its close proximity to downtown Seattle make it a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
Many of the Boeing 737s you’ll see will arrive from nearby Renton Airport, where they are built, ready for painting and finishing. They’ll often be in the colours of airlines from far and wide places around the world, so can be tantalising for spotters to photograph and log.
Midfield spotting location. Photo (c) Andrew W. Sieber
The best spotting locations at Boeing Field are:
- Museum of Flight
The museum is located in the southern corner of the airport alongside the threshold of runway 31L. Arriving at the museum passes Boeing aircraft destined for military operators, which can also be read off from the museum car park. The observation room in the museum looks over the runway, so you’ll see any aircraft being tested. - Midfield Viewing Area
A small fenced-in viewing area exists at E Marginal Way and S 86th Pl, with parking for a few cars and excellent views of all movements. The fence gets in the way of any ground shots, unfortunately. It’s a ten minute walk north of the museum. - Ruby Chow Park
At the northern end of the airport where Albro Pl and Hardy St meet is a small park. It sits under the approach to runway 13R and has some benches. Photography is possible, but usually into the sun.
Museum of Flight
Inside the Museum of Flight
This giant museum is part history of flight, and part history of Boeing. It includes many of the original Boeing factory buildings from the early days of the company, and a huge collection of aircraft from the earliest days of flight to the present day, both civil and military.
Photo (c) Todd Lappin
The airliner collection in particular includes the prototype Boeing 737-100, 727-100, 747-100 and 787-8, plus an Air Force One 707, Canadian Lockheed Constellation and British Airways Concorde.
It also includes many other early Boeing aircraft, as well as military and general aviation types from around the world.
The ‘air traffic control tower’ part of the museum and the area outside the entrance are good places to spot aircraft movements on the runway.
The Museum of Flight is open daily 10am to 5pm (9pm first Thursday of the month). Adults $20. Cheaper for concessions and under 5’s are free.
Details: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle WA 98108 | +1 206 764 5720 | www.museumofflight.org
Have you visited Boeing Field as a spotter? Have you been to the Museum of Flight? Drop a comment below and let us know of your experiences and tips!
Title image: Pete Macklin
