about " came off the line "

[english-learner]

What does " came off the line " mean in this context? Thanks a lot!


FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2
You can’t use your phone until we land, sir.

TOBY
We’re flying in a Lockheed eagle series L-1011. It came off the line 20 months ago and carries a Sim-5 Transponder tracking system. Are you telling me I can still flummox this thing with something I bought at Radio Shack?


FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2
You can call when we land, sir.

[Robert B. Mercer]

"Came off the line" means the airplane came off the assembly line; the place where it was built at the factory, it was finished 20 months ago.

Even though only machines are made on assembly lines, "came of the line" can be used for anything.

"Did you see this report? It just came off the line..."

[english-learner]

Thank you very much Robert.