The Comet's Rival Nears Completion - America's first jet airliner, the new Boeing prototype, is nearing completion at Renton, Wash., U.S.A. The big four-jet 190,000 pound transport will be used as a prototype model for demonstration to commercial airlines, and will be a rival to the British Comet II. The Boeing is 128 feet long, and its wings measure 130 feet from top to tip. Cruising speed is claimed at 550 m.p.h. with a non-stop New York to London schedule of less than 7 hours. Depending on range and payload requirements the new jet airliner will carry from 80 to 150 passengers. March 17, 1954.