This view shows how easy it is to get into and off the aircraft. A few facts about the Ford Tri-Motor. First all-metal, multi-engine commercial airliner Cost to purchase out of factory $55,000 Total number of Tri-Motors built (all models) from 1926-1933: 199 Led to the construction of the first airline terminal for passengers and was the first regularly scheduled passenger airliner to operate Led to the first hotel, the Dearborn Inn, designated and built for the airline traveler Led to the creation of the first paved runway After the Tri-Motor was replaced as a passenger airliner, it was used for quite some time to carry heavy freight to mining operations in jungles and mountains First aircraft manufactured to mandate crew training for its airline customers Statistics Gross Weight: 12,499 lbs Ceiling: 18,500- ft Wing Span: 77-ft 6-in Range: 560 miles Length: 50-ft 3-in Cruising Speed: 122 mph