THE END OF AN ERA - BOEING 757

Boeing ceased production of the 757 last month - with the last one ever to be manufactured being delivered to Shanghai Airlines.

The 757 was designed and produced in tandem with the 767 and both planes share a common type rating for Pilots. The 767 continues to solider on as a slightly cheaper alternative to the Airbus A330/A340 and Boeing's own 777 - albeit with older design and engineering technology.

Boeing are upbeat about the closure of the 757 line, citing their own 737-900 series as an effective replacement. (The -900 series being the largest of the New Generation 737).

The 757's excellent reliability (99% of the 1,050 built are still in active service) means that 757s will still be gracing the skies for at least the next decade or two.