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{{Short description|Single-aisle airliner family by Boeing}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{For|variants of this aircraft|Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737 MAX}}
<!-- This article is a part of ]. Please see ] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
|name= Boeing 737
{{Infobox aircraft
|image= File:Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700; N738CB@LAX;21.04.2007 466kc (4289282802).jpg<!-- In-flight images are preferred for aircraft. -->
|name = Boeing 737
|caption= ] with ]s of ], the type's largest operator
|image = File:South African Airlink Boeing 737-200 Advanced Smith.jpg<!-- In-flight images are preferred for aircraft; please consult talk page before changing. -->
|alt=
|caption = A Boeing 737-200, the first mass-produced 737 model, in operation with ] in 2007
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type= ] ] |aircraft_role = ]
|national origin= United States |national_origin = United States
|manufacturer= ] |manufacturers = ]
|status = In service
|first flight= April 9, 1967
|primary_user = ] <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of 737s in their fleets. -->
|introduced= February 10, 1968, with ]
|more_users = {{ubl|]|]|]}} <!--Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field (4 total users).-->
|retired=
|number_built = 11,907 {{as of|2024|11|lc=y}}<ref name="O_D_summ">{{cite web |url=https://www.boeing.com/commercial/#/orders-deliveries |title=Boeing: Orders and Deliveries (updated monthly) |publisher=boeing.com |date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |archive-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112224944/https://www.boeing.com/commercial/#/orders-deliveries |url-status=live}}</ref>
|status= In service
|construction_date = 1966{{ndash}}present
|primary user= ] <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of 737s in their fleets. -->
|introduction = February 10, 1968, with ]
|more users= ] <br>] <br>]<!--Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field (4 total users). Please separate with <br />.-->
|first_flight = {{start date and age|1967|04|09}}
|produced= 1966–present
|developed_into = {{ubl|]|]|]}}
|number built= 9,295 as of November 2016<ref name=737_O_D_summ/>
|related = ]
|unit cost= 737-100: ]32 million{{sfn|Bowers|1989|p=495|ps=}} <br />737-600: US$59.4&nbsp;million <br />737-700: US$80.6&nbsp;million<ref name=prices>{{cite web|title=Commercial Airplanes – Jet Prices|url=http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/prices/|website=www.boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|accessdate=January 10, 2015}}</ref> <br />737-800: US$96.0&nbsp;million<ref name=prices/> <br />737-900ER: US$101.9&nbsp;million<ref name=prices/>
|variants with their own articles= ]
|developed into= ] <br>] <br>]
}} }}
|}


The '''Boeing 737''' is an American ] airliner produced by ] at its ] factory in ].
The '''Boeing 737''' is an American ] ] ] ]. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from ]'s ] and ], the 737 has developed into a family of ten passenger models with capacities from 85 to 215 passengers. The 737 is Boeing's only narrow-body airliner in production, with the 737 Next Generation (-700, -800, and -900ER) variants currently being built. Production has also begun on the re-engined and redesigned ], which is set to enter service in 2017.
<!--design-->
Developed to supplement the ] on short and thin routes, the ] retained the ] fuselage width and six abreast seating but with two underwing ] low-bypass turbofan engines. <!--development--> Envisioned in 1964, the initial 737-100 made its first flight in April 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with ].<!--ref name=Flight22apr2009--><!--ref name=airlinersSpecs/-->
The lengthened 737-200 entered service in April 1968, and evolved through four generations, offering several variants for 85 to 215 passengers.


<!--generations-->
Originally envisioned in 1964, the initial 737-100 made its first flight in April 1967 and entered airline service in February 1968 at ].<ref name=fg6000>Kingsley-Jones, Max. ''Flight International'', Reed Business Information, April 22, 2009. Retrieved: April 22, 2009.</ref><ref name="airliners.net737"> ''Airliners.net'', Demand Media, Inc. Retrieved: April 22, 2009.</ref> Next, the lengthened 737-200 entered service in April 1968. In the 1980s Boeing launched the -300, -400, and -500 models, subsequently referred to as the ] series. The 737 Classics added capacity and incorporated ] ] engines along with wing improvements.
The First Generation 737-100/200 variants were powered by ] low-bypass turbofan engines and offered seating for 85 to 130 passengers. Launched in 1980 and introduced in 1984, the Second Generation ] -300/400/500 variants were ] with more fuel-efficient ] high-bypass turbofans and offered 110 to 168 seats. Introduced in 1997, the Third Generation ] (NG) -600/700/800/900 variants have updated ] high-bypass turbofans, a larger wing and an upgraded ], and seat 108 to 215 passengers. The latest, and Fourth Generation, the ] -7/8/9/10 variants, powered by improved ]-1B high-bypass turbofans and accommodating 138 to 204 people, entered service in 2017.<!--ref name=Flight15nov2019-->
<!--other variants-->
] versions have been produced since the 737NG, as well as military models.


<!-- operational history-->
In the 1990s, Boeing introduced the ], with multiple changes including a redesigned, increased span laminar flow wing, upgraded "glass" cockpit, and new interior. The 737 Next Generation comprises the four -600, -700, -800, and -900 models, ranging from {{convert|102|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} to {{convert|138|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} in length. ] versions of the 737 Next Generation are also produced.
{{as of|2024|11|df=US}}, 16,725 Boeing 737s have been ordered and 11,907 delivered.<!--ref name=737_O_D_summ/-->
Initially, its main competitor was the ], followed by its ]/] derivatives. In 2013, the global 737 fleet had completed more than 184 million flights over 264 million block hours since its entry into service<!--to be updated-->. It was the highest-selling commercial aircraft until being surpassed by the competing ] in October 2019, but maintains the record in total deliveries.<!--ref name=Flight15nov2019--> The 737 MAX, designed to compete with the ], was ] between March 2019 and November 2020 following two fatal crashes.


== Development ==
The 737 series is the best-selling jet commercial airliner in history.<ref name=fg6000 /> The 737 has been continuously manufactured by ] since 1967 with 9,295 aircraft delivered and 4,280 orders yet to be fulfilled {{as of|2016|11|lc=on}}.<ref name=737_O_D_summ/> Assembly of the 737 is performed at the ] in ]. Many 737s serve markets previously filled by ], ], ], ], and ]/] airliners, and the aircraft currently competes primarily with the ].<ref name=facts/> As of 2006, there were an average of 1,250 Boeing 737s airborne at any given time, with two departing or landing somewhere every five seconds.<ref name="flightglobal"/>
=== Initial design ===
{{TOC limit|3}}
]
Boeing had been studying short-haul jet aircraft designs, and saw a need for a new aircraft to supplement the ] on short and thin routes.<ref name="nyt transport news">" {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821213438/http://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/17/transport-news-boeing-plans-jet.html |date=August 21, 2017}}" '']'', July 17, 1964. Retrieved: February 26, 2008.</ref> Preliminary design work began on May 11, 1964,{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=122|ps=}} based on research that indicated a market for a fifty to sixty passenger airliner flying routes of {{Convert|50|to|1000|mi|-2}}.<ref name="nyt transport news" />{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=12|ps=}}


The initial concept featured ]s on the aft fuselage, a ] as with the 727, and five-abreast seating. Engineer ] relocated the engines to the wings which lightened the structure and simplified the accommodation of six-abreast seating in the fuselage.<ref name=FG170406 /> The engine ]s were mounted directly to the underside of the wings, without pylons, allowing the ] to be shortened, thus lowering the fuselage to improve baggage and passenger access.{{sfn|Sutter|2006|pp=76–78}} Relocating the engines from the aft fuselage also allowed the ] to be attached to the aft fuselage instead of as a T-tail.{{sfn|Sharpe |Shaw|2001|p=17|ps=}} Many designs for the engine attachment strut were tested in the wind tunnel and the optimal shape for high speed was found to be one which was relatively thick, filling the narrow channels formed between the wing and the top of the nacelle, particularly on the outboard side.] for Boeing]]
==Development==


At the time, Boeing was far behind its competitors; the ] had been in service since 1955, and the ] (BAC-111), ], and ] were already into flight certification.<ref name="german order" /> To expedite development, Boeing used 60% of the structure and systems of the existing 727, particularly the fuselage, which differs in length only. This 148-inch (3.76 m) wide fuselage cross-section permitted six-abreast seating compared to the rivals' five-abreast. The 727's fuselage was derived from the 707.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}}
===Background===
Boeing had been studying short-haul jet aircraft designs and wanted to produce another aircraft to supplement the ] on short and thin routes.<ref name="nyt transport news">"" '']'', July 17, 1964. Retrieved: February 26, 2008.</ref> Preliminary design work began on May 11, 1964,{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=122|ps=}} and Boeing's intense market research yielded plans for a 50- to 60-passenger airliner for routes {{convert|50|to|1000|mi|km|abbr=on}} long.<ref name="nyt transport news"/>{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=12|ps=}} ] became the launch customer on February 19, 1965,{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}} with an order for 21 aircraft, worth $67&nbsp;million<ref name="german order">"German Airline Buys 21 Boeing Short-Range Jets." '']'', February 20, 1965. Retrieved: February 26, 2008.</ref> in 1965, after the airline received assurances from Boeing that the 737 project would not be canceled.<ref name="Wallace"/> Consultation with Lufthansa over the previous winter resulted in an increase in capacity to 100 seats.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}}


The proposed wing ] sections were based on those of the 707 and 727, but somewhat thicker; altering these sections near the nacelles achieved a substantial drag reduction at high Mach numbers.<ref>Olason, M.L. and Norton, D.A. "Aerodynamic Philosophy of the Boeing 737", AIAA paper 65-739, presented at the AIAA/RAeS/JSASS Aircraft Design and Technology Meeting, Los Angeles California, November 1965. Reprinted in the AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 3 No. 6, November/December 1966, pp. 524–528.</ref> The engine chosen was the ]-1 low-bypass ratio turbofan engine, delivering {{Convert|14500|lbf|kN|lk=on}} of thrust.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=6|ps=}}
] for testing.]]
On April 5, 1965, Boeing announced an order by ] for 40 737s. United wanted a slightly larger airplane than the original 737. So Boeing stretched the fuselage {{convert|91|cm|in|sp=us}} ahead of, and {{convert|102|cm|in|abbr=on}} behind the wing.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=17|ps=}} The longer version was designated 737-200, with the original short-body aircraft becoming the 737-100.{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=182|ps=}}


The concept design was presented in October 1964 at the ] maintenance and engineering conference by chief project engineer Jack Steiner, where its elaborate ]s raised concerns about ] costs and dispatch reliability.<ref name=FG170406>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-half-century-milestone-marks-737s-endurin-435787/ |title= Half-century milestone marks 737's enduring appeal |date= April 7, 2017 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= FlightGlobal}}</ref>
Detailed design work continued on both variants at the same time. Boeing was far behind its competitors when the 737 was launched, as rival aircraft ], ], and ] were already into flight certification.<ref name="german order"/> To expedite development, Boeing used 60% of the structure and systems of the existing 727, the most notable being the fuselage cross-section. This fuselage permitted six-abreast seating compared to the rival BAC-111 and DC-9's five-abreast layout.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}} Design engineers decided to mount the ]s directly to the underside of the wings to reduce the landing gear length and kept the engines low to the ground for easy ramp inspection and servicing.<ref name="JoeSutter">Sutter 2006, pp. 76–78.</ref> Many thickness variations for the engine attachment strut were tested in the wind tunnel and the most desirable shape for high speed was found to be one which was relatively thick, filling the narrow channels formed between the wing and the top of the nacelle, particularly on the outboard side. Originally, the span arrangement of the airfoil sections of the 737 wing was planned to be very similar to that of the 707 and 727, although somewhat thicker. However, a substantial improvement in drag at high Mach numbers was achieved by altering these sections near the nacelle.<ref>Olason, M.L. and Norton, D.A. "Aerodynamic Philosophy of the Boeing 737", AIAA paper 65-739, presented at the AIAA/RAeS/JSASS Aircraft Design and Technology Meeting, Los Angeles California, November 1965. Reprinted in the AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol.3 No.6, November/December 1966, pp.524-528.</ref> The engine chosen was the ] low-bypass ratio turbofan engine, delivering {{convert|14500|lbf|kN|abbr=on|lk=on}} thrust.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=6|ps=}} With the wing-mounted engines, Boeing decided to mount the ] on the fuselage rather than the ] style of the Boeing 727.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=17|ps=}}


=== Major design developments ===
===Production and testing===
]
], the type's launch customer, at ] (1968).]]


The original 737 continued to be developed into thirteen passenger, cargo, corporate and military variants. These were later divided into what has become known as the four generations of the Boeing 737 family:
The initial assembly of the 737 was adjacent to ] (now officially named King County International Airport) because the factory in ] was filled to capacity with the building of the 707 and 727. After 271 aircraft were built, production moved to Renton in late 1970.<ref name="Wallace">Wallace, J. ''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'', February 13, 2006. Retrieved June 7, 2011.</ref><ref>Gates, Dominic. ''Seattle Times'', 30 December 2005. Retrieved: February 10, 2008.</ref> A significant portion of fuselage assembly occurs in Wichita, Kansas, which was previously done by Boeing but now by ], which purchased some of Boeing's assets in Wichita.<ref>{{cite web|author1=John W. McCurry|title=Spirit of Expansion|url=http://www.siteselection.com/features/2008/nov/aerospace/|website= siteselection.com|publisher=Site Selection Online|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Jon Ostrower|title=Spirit AeroSystems CEO Says Boeing Exploring Increasing 737 Production|url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323585604579009500454751922|website=online.wsj.com|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=August 12, 2013|subscription=yes}}</ref>
* The first generation "Original" series: the 737-100 and -200, also the military T-43 and CT-43, launched February 1965.
* The second generation "Classic" series: 737-300, -400 and -500, launched in 1979.
* The third generation "Next Generation" series: 737-600, -700, -800 and -900, also the military C-40 and P-8, launched late 1993.
* The fourth generation 737 MAX series: 737-7, -8, -9 and -10, launched August 2011.


=== Launch ===
The fuselage is joined with the wings and landing gear, then moves down the assembly line for the engines, avionics, and interiors. After rolling out the aircraft, Boeing tests the systems and engines before its ] to Boeing Field, where it is painted and fine-tuned before delivery to the customer.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=16|ps=}}
The launch decision for the $150 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=150000000|start_year=1965}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) development was made by the board on February 1, 1965.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}} The sales pitch was big-jet comfort on short-haul routes.<ref name="ar 2017-04-23">{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Geoffrey |title=Boeing's 737: The plane that almost never was. |url=https://www.airlineratings.com/news/boeings-737-the-plane-that-almost-never-was/ |website=Airline Ratings |access-date=June 3, 2023 |language=en-AU |date=April 23, 2017}}</ref>


] became the launch customer on February 19, 1965,{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}} with an order for 21 aircraft, worth $67&nbsp;million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=67000000|start_year=1965}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}})<ref name="german order">"German Airline Buys 21 Boeing Short-Range Jets." '']'', February 20, 1965. Retrieved: February 26, 2008.</ref> after the airline had been assured by Boeing that the 737 project would not be canceled.<ref name="Wallace">Wallace, J. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309074239/http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Boeing-delivers-its-5-000th-737-1195654.php |date=March 9, 2012}} ''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'', February 13, 2006. Retrieved June 7, 2011.</ref> Consultation with Lufthansa over the previous winter had resulted in the seating capacity being increased to 100.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=13|ps=}}
The first of six -100 prototypes rolled out in December 1966, and made its maiden flight on April 9, 1967, piloted by ] and Lew Wallick.<ref name=737_30th>{{cite web|title=Original 737 Comes Home to Celebrate 30th Anniversary|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/1997-05-02-Original-737-Comes-Home-to-Celebrate-30th-Anniversary|website=www.boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-18}}|date={{date|1997-05-02}}}}</ref> On December 15, 1967, the ] certified the -100 for commercial flight,{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} issuing Type Certificate A16WE.<ref name="Type_Cert_A16WE"> ''faa.gov.'' Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref> The 737 was the first aircraft to have, as part of its initial certification, approval for ].{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=183|ps=}} Lufthansa received its first aircraft on December 28, 1967, and on February 10, 1968, became the first non-American airline to launch a new Boeing aircraft.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} ] was the only significant customer to purchase the 737-100. Only 30 aircraft were produced.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=120|ps=}}


On April 5, 1965, Boeing announced an order by ] for 40 737s. United wanted a slightly larger capacity than the 737-100, so the fuselage was stretched {{Convert|91|cm|order=flip}} ahead of, and {{Convert|102|cm|order=flip}} behind the wing.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=17|ps=}} The longer version was designated the 737-200, with the original short-body aircraft becoming the 737-100.{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=182|ps=}} Detailed design work continued on both variants simultaneously.
The 737-200 had its maiden flight on August 8, 1967. It was certified by the FAA on December 21, 1967,<ref name="Type_Cert_A16WE"/>{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=124|ps=}} and the inaugural flight for United was on April 28, 1968, from ] to ].{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} The lengthened -200 was widely preferred over the -100 by airlines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modernairliners.com/boeing-737/boeing-737-history|title=Boeing 737 History|publisher=''ModernAirlines.com''|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref>


===Initial derivatives=== === Introduction ===
] 737-200 with deployed thrust reversers]] ]


The first -100 was rolled out on January 17, 1967, and took its maiden flight on April 9, 1967, piloted by ] and Lew Wallick.<ref name=737_30th>{{cite web|title=Original 737 Comes Home to Celebrate 30th Anniversary|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/1997-05-02-Original-737-Comes-Home-to-Celebrate-30th-Anniversary|website= boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|access-date=November 18, 2014|date=May 2, 1997|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129031351/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/1997-05-02-Original-737-Comes-Home-to-Celebrate-30th-Anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> After several test flights the ] (FAA) issued Type Certificate A16WE certifying the 737-100 for commercial flight on December 15, 1967.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}}<ref name="Type_Cert_A16WE"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909234057/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/e038ae3ed2dbc2ae86257479004d1e57/$FILE/A16WE.pdf |date=September 9, 2008}} ''faa.gov.'' Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref> It was the first aircraft to have, as part of its initial certification, approval for ],{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=183|ps=}} which refers to a precision instrument approach and landing with a decision height between {{Convert|30|and|60|m|ft|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Scott |title=CAT II – Category II – Approach |url=https://aviationglossary.com/cat-ii-category-ii-approach/ |website=Aviation Glossary |access-date=October 30, 2018 |date=January 18, 2009 |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005411/https://aviationglossary.com/cat-ii-category-ii-approach/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Lufthansa received its first aircraft on December 28, 1967, and on February 10, 1968, became the first non-American airline to launch a new Boeing aircraft.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} Lufthansa was the only significant customer to purchase the 737-100 and only 30 aircraft were produced.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=120|ps=}}
The original engine nacelles incorporated thrust reversers taken from the 727 outboard nacelles. However, they proved to be relatively ineffective and apparently tended to lift the aircraft up off the runway when deployed. This reduced the downforce on the main wheels thereby reducing the effectiveness of the wheel brakes. In 1968, an improvement to the ] system was introduced.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sharpe, Shaw|first1=Mike, Robbie|title=Boeing 737-100 and 200|date=2001|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PSqPyNcxsO0C&pg=PT21&lpg=PT21&dq=boeing+1968+thrust+reverser&source=bl&ots=rbHcCSNcYb&sig=UsD_RC6BgAxTxLVJVL4Ndo9v5ZM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEAQ6AEwB2oVChMI-sGog7SexwIVDDM-Ch0zlQpL#v=onepage&q=boeing%201968%20thrust%20reverser&f=false|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref> A 48-inch tailpipe extension was added and new, target-style, thrust reversers were incorporated. The thrust reverser doors were set 35 degrees away from the vertical to allow the exhaust to be deflected inboard and over the wings and outboard and under the wings.<ref> ''b737.org.uk.'' Retrieved: November 1, 2011.</ref> The improvement became standard on all aircraft after March 1969, and a retrofit was provided for active aircraft. Boeing fixed the drag issue by introducing new longer nacelle/wing fairings, and improved the airflow over the flaps and slats. The production line also introduced an improvement to the flap system, allowing increased use during takeoff and landing. All these changes gave the aircraft a boost to payload and range, and improved short-field performance.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} In May 1971, after aircraft #135, all improvements, including more powerful engines and a greater fuel capacity, were incorporated into the 737-200, giving it a 15% increase in payload and range over the original -200s.{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=183|ps=}} This became known as the 737-200 Advanced, which became the production standard in June 1971.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |title= 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |date= May 2011 |publisher= Boeing |accessdate= 7 February 2015}}</ref>


The -200 was rolled out on June 29, 1967, and had its maiden flight on August 8, 1967. It was then certified by the FAA on December 21, 1967.<ref name="Type_Cert_A16WE" />{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=124|ps=}} The inaugural flight for United Airlines took place on April 28, 1968, from ] to ].{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}} The lengthened -200 was widely preferred over the -100 by airlines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://modernairliners.com/boeing-737/boeing-737-history |title=Boeing 737 History |publisher=ModernAirlines.com |access-date=August 10, 2015 |date=July 29, 2015 |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822194856/http://modernairliners.com/boeing-737/boeing-737-history |url-status=live}}</ref> The improved version, the 737-200 Advanced, was introduced into service by ] on May 20, 1971.{{sfn|Bowers|1989|p=496|ps=}}
]
In 1970, Boeing received only 37 orders. Facing financial difficulties, Boeing considered closing the 737 production-line and selling the design to Japanese aviation companies.<ref name="Wallace"/> After the cancellation of the ], and scaling back of 747 production, enough funds were freed up to continue the project.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=21|ps=}} In a bid to increase sales by offering a variety of options, Boeing offered a 737C (Convertible) model in both -100 and -200 lengths. This model featured a {{convert|340|x|221|cm|in|abbr=on}} freight door just behind the cockpit, and a strengthened floor with rollers, which allowed for ]. A 737QC (Quick Change) version with palletized seating allowed for faster configuration changes between cargo and passenger flights.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=19|ps=}} With the improved short-field capabilities of the 737, Boeing offered the option on the -200 of the ], which enables this aircraft to operate on remote, unpaved runways.<ref> ''b737.org.uk.'' Retrieved: February 10, 2008.</ref><ref> ''airliners.net''. Retrieved: February 10, 2008.</ref> Until retiring its -200 fleet in 2007, ] used this option for some of its rural operations in ].<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117642845035668637 |title= Arctic Eagles Bid Mud Hens Farewell At Alaska Airlines |last=Carey |first=Susan |date=April 13, 2007 |work= Wall Street Journal |access-date= 7 February 2015}}</ref> Northern Canadian operators Air Inuit, Air North, Canadian North, First Air and ] still operate the gravel kit aircraft in Northern Canada, where gravel runways are common.


The 737 original model with its variants, known later as the ''Boeing 737 Original'', initially competed with SE 210 Caravelle and BAC-111 due to their earlier entry into service and later primarily with the ] DC-9, then its ] derivatives as the three European short-haul single aisles slowly withdrew from the competition. Sales were low in the early 1970s<ref name="Flying blind">{{cite news |last1=Podsada |first1=Janice |title=Small local suppliers flying blind through 737 Max crisis |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/small-local-suppliers-flying-blind-through-737-max-crisis/ |access-date=January 17, 2020 |work=The Everett Herald |date=January 11, 2020 |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117014533/https://www.heraldnet.com/business/small-local-suppliers-flying-blind-through-737-max-crisis/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and, after a peak of 114 deliveries in 1969, only 22 737s were shipped in 1972 with 19 in backlog.<!--<ref name=FG170406 />--> The ] saved the program by ordering ], which were modified Boeing 737-200s.<!--<ref name=FG170406 />--> African airline orders kept the production running until the 1978 US ], which improved demand for six-abreast narrow-body aircraft. Demand further increased after being re-engined with the ].<ref name=FG170406 /> The 737 went on to become the highest-selling commercial aircraft in terms of orders until surpassed by the competing ] in October 2019, but maintains the record in total deliveries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Slotnick|first=David|title=Boeing's 737 officially lost the title of world's most popular airplane. Airbus' competitor just passed it in sales.|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-beats-worlds-most-popular-plane-a320-737-2019-11|access-date=October 18, 2021|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 1988, the initial production run of the -200 model ended after producing 1,114 aircraft. The last one was delivered to ] on August 8, 1988.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=23|ps=}}<ref name="first flight"> ''Boeing.com'', January 5, 2008. Retrieved: April 12, 2008.</ref>


The fuselage is manufactured in ], by Boeing spin-off company ], before being moved by rail to Renton.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103185122/https://www.railwayage.com/freight/bnsf-mrl-move-10000th-boeing-737-fuselage/?RAchannel=news |date=November 3, 2019}} '']'' February 20, 2018</ref> The ] has three assembly lines for the 737 MAX; a fourth is planned to open at the ] in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gates |first=Dominic |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Boeing to set up a new 737 MAX assembly line in Everett |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-to-set-up-a-fourth-737-max-assembly-line-in-everett/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 18, 2023}}</ref>
===Improved variants===
{{Main article|Boeing 737 Classic}}


== Generations and variants ==
Development began in 1979 for the 737's first major revision. Boeing wanted to increase capacity and range, incorporating improvements to upgrade the aircraft to modern specifications, while also retaining commonality with previous 737 variants. In 1980, preliminary aircraft specifications of the variant, dubbed 737-300, were released at the ].{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=126|ps=}}


=== 737 Original (first generation) ===
]
{{anchor|737 Original}}
Boeing engineer Mark Gregoire led a design team, which cooperated with ] to select, modify and deploy a new engine and nacelle that would make the 737-300 into a viable aircraft. They chose the ] ] ] engine to power the aircraft, which yielded significant gains in fuel economy and a reduction in noise, but also posed an engineering challenge, given the low ground clearance of the 737 and the larger diameter of the engine over the original Pratt & Whitney engines. Gregoire's team and CFM solved the problem by reducing the size of the fan (which made the engine slightly less efficient than it had been forecast to be), placing the engine ahead of the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides of the engine pod, giving the engine a distinctive non-circular "]"<ref name="hamster">Brady, Chris. ''The Boeing 737 Information Site, 1999. Retrieved: September 5, 2010.</ref> air intake.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}}<ref>Sweetman, Bill, All mouth, Air & Space, September 2014, p.14</ref> Earlier customers for the CFM56 included the U.S. Air Force with its program to re-engine KC-135 tankers.<ref>Garvin, Robert V. "Starting Something Big - The Commercial Emergence of GE Aircraft Engines", American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. Reston, 1998, ISBN 1-56347-289-9, p. 137.</ref>
The ''Boeing 737 Original'' is the name given to the -100/200 and -200 Advanced series of the Boeing 737 family.


==== 737-100 ====
The passenger capacity of the aircraft was increased to 149 by extending the fuselage around the wing by {{convert|2.87|m|ftin|sp=us}}. The wing incorporated a number of changes for improved aerodynamics. The wingtip was extended {{convert|9|in|cm|abbr=on}}, and the wingspan by {{convert|1|ft|9|in|cm|abbr=on}}. The leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps were adjusted.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}} The tailfin was redesigned, the flight deck was improved with the optional EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System), and the passenger cabin incorporated improvements similar to those developed on the ].{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=10|ps=}} The prototype -300, the 1,001st 737 built, first flew on 24 February 1984 with pilot Jim McRoberts.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=10|ps=}} It and two production aircraft flew a nine-month-long certification program.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|pp=12–13|ps=}}
] Boeing 737-100 at ] in 1981]]
The initial model was the 737-100, the smallest variant of the 737 aircraft family, which was launched in February 1965 and entered service with ] in February 1968. In 1968, its unit cost was ]3.7M (1968),<ref name=AvWeek22jan1968>{{cite magazine |url= http://archive.aviationweek.com/issue/19680122#!&pid=30 |title= 737 price raised |magazine= ] |date= January 22, 1968 |page= 31 |url-access= subscription |access-date= October 14, 2018 |archive-date= October 15, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181015002825/http://archive.aviationweek.com/issue/19680122#!&pid=30 |url-status= live}}</ref> ${{Inflation|US|3.7|r=1|1968}}M today. A total of 30 737-100s were ordered: 22 by Lufthansa, 5 by ] (MSA) and 2 by ] with the final commercial aircraft delivered to MSA on October 31, 1969. This variant was largely overshadowed by its bigger 737-200 sibling, which entered service two months later.


The original engine nacelles incorporated thrust reversers taken from the 727 outboard nacelles. They proved to be relatively ineffective and tended to lift the aircraft up off the runway when deployed. This reduced the downforce on the main wheels thereby reducing the effectiveness of the wheel brakes. In 1968, an improvement to the ] system was introduced.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=|ps=}} A 48-inch tailpipe extension was added and new target-style thrust reversers were incorporated. The thrust reverser doors were set 35 degrees away from the vertical to allow the exhaust to be deflected inboard and over the wings and outboard and under the wings. The improvement became standard on all aircraft after March 1969, and a retrofit was provided for active aircraft. Longer nacelle/wing fairings were introduced, and the airflow over the flaps and slats was improved. The production line also introduced an improvement to the flap system, allowing increased use during takeoff and landing. All these changes gave the aircraft a boost to payload and range, and improved ] performance.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=20|ps=}}
In June 1986, Boeing announced the development of the 737-400,{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=185|ps=}} which stretched the fuselage a further {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}}, increasing the passenger load to 188.<ref>FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9c59427a20b3253686257d03004d8faa/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_53.pdf</ref> The -400s first flight was on February 19, 1988, and, after a seven-month/500-hour flight-testing run, entered service with ] that October.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}}


Both the first and last 737-100s became the last 737-100s in service. The first aircraft used by Boeing as prototype under registration N73700 was later ordered by and delivered to ] on July 26, 1973, which then operated it under registration ] and retired after 30 years on September 27, 2003. The last 737-100 built and also the last operating was originally sold to ]: it was transferred to ] before being used as a VIP aircraft by the Mexican Air Force for 23 years under registration TP-03.{{Cn|date=September 2024}} TP-03 would be broken up in 2006. The first 737-100, NASA 515, is on static display in the ] in ] and is the last surviving example of the type.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}}
] 737-400 at takeoff. The stubbier ] engines are mounted ahead of the wings.]]
The -500 series was offered, due to customer demand, as a modern and direct replacement of the 737-200. It incorporated the improvements of the 737 Classic series, allowing longer routes with fewer passengers to be more economical than with the 737-300. The fuselage length of the -500 is {{convert|1|ft|7|in|cm|abbr=on}} longer than the 737-200, accommodating up to 140<ref>FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9c59427a20b3253686257d03004d8faa/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_53.pdf</ref> passengers. Both glass and older-style mechanical cockpits arrangements were available.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} Using the CFM56-3 engine also gave a 25% increase in fuel efficiency over the older -200s P&W engines.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}}


==== 737-200 ====
The 737-500 was launched in 1987 by ], with an order for 20 aircraft,{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=40|ps=}} and flew for the first time on June 30, 1989.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} A single prototype flew 375 hours for the certification process,{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} and on February 28, 1990, ] received the first delivery.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=129|ps=}}
]. The -200 was one of the most popular variants sold, with 1095 units.]]
The 737-200 was a 737-100 with an extended fuselage, launched by an order from United Airlines in 1965 and entered service with the launch customer in April 1968. Its unit cost was US$4.0M (1968)<ref name="AvWeek22jan1968" /> (${{Inflation|US|4.0|r=1|1968}}M today). The -200's unit cost was US$5.2M (1972)<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1972/1972%20-%202020.html |title= Airliner price index |magazine= ] |date= August 10, 1972 |page= 183 |access-date= January 9, 2018 |archive-date= January 9, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181149/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1972/1972%20-%202020.html |url-status= live}}</ref> (${{Inflation|US|5.2|r=1|1972}}M today). The 737-200 Advanced is an improved version of the -200, introduced into service by ] on May 20, 1971.{{sfn|Bowers|1989|p=496|ps=}} After aircraft #135, the 737-200 Advanced has improved aerodynamics, automatic wheel brakes, more powerful engines, more fuel capacity, and hence a 15% increase in payload and range over the original -200s and respectively -100s.{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=183|ps=}}{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=41|ps=}} The 737-200 Advanced became the production standard in June 1971.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |title= 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |date= May 2011 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= February 7, 2015 |archive-date= February 7, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150207152159/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref> Boeing also provided the 737-200C (]), which allowed for conversion between passenger and cargo use and the 737-200QC (Quick Change), which facilitated a rapid conversion between roles. The 1,114th<ref>{{cite web |author1=The Boeing Company |title=Boeing Commercial Orders & Deliveries |url=https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/salesoperations/viz/shared/CMD3CKDC8 |website=] Public |access-date=6 August 2024 |format=Filtered data table }}</ref> and last delivery of a -200 series aircraft was in August 1988 to ].<ref name="O_D_summ" /><ref name="About the 737 Family"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209163449/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/background.html |date=December 9, 2004}} ''The Boeing Company''. Retrieved: December 20, 2007.</ref>


Nineteen 737-200s, designated ], were used to train aircraft navigators for the ]. Some were modified into CT-43s, which are used to transport passengers, and one was modified as the NT-43A Radar Test Bed. The first was delivered on July 31, 1973, and the last on July 19, 1974. The ] ordered three modified 737-200s, designated ''Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller''. They were used as Maritime reconnaissance (MPA)/transport aircraft, fitted with SLAMMAR (Side-looking Multi-mission Airborne Radar). The aircraft were delivered between May 1982 and October 1983.{{sfn|Bowers|1989|pp=498–499|ps=}}After 40 years, in March 2008, the final 737-200 aircraft in the U.S. flying scheduled passenger service were phased out, with the last flights of ].<ref name="swretire">{{cite web|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/Southwest-Airlines-Retires-Last-of-Founding-Aircraft-Employees-Help-Celebrate-the-Boeing-737-200-s-Final-Flight?mode=print |title=Southwest Airlines Retires Last of Founding Aircraft; Employees Help Celebrate the Boeing 737-200's Final Flight |publisher=swamedia.com |access-date=August 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904131052/http://swamedia.com/releases/Southwest-Airlines-Retires-Last-of-Founding-Aircraft-Employees-Help-Celebrate-the-Boeing-737-200-s-Final-Flight?mode=print |archive-date=September 4, 2015}}</ref> As of 2018, the variant still saw regular service through North American charter operators such as ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/24536|title=World Airline Census 2018|website=Flightglobal.com|language=en-GB|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106212640/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/24536|url-status=live}}</ref>
After the introduction of the -600/700/800/900 series, the -300/400/500 series was called the 737 Classic series.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/facts.page |title= Boeing: Boeing 737 Facts |date= September 6, 2013 |accessdate= February 7, 2015 |publisher= Boeing}}</ref>


] 737-200 fitted with a gravel kit.]]
The price of jet fuel reached a peak in 2008, when airlines devoted 40% of the retail price of an air ticket to pay for fuel, versus 15% in 2000.<ref>"To Save Fuel, Airlines Find No Speck Too Small." '']'', June 11, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jet Fuel Price Development|url=http://www.iata.org/publications/economics/fuel-monitor/Pages/price-development.aspx|publisher=IATA|accessdate=10 April 2015}}</ref> Consequently, in that year carriers retired Classic 737 series aircraft to reduce fuel consumption; replacements consisted of more efficient Next Generation 737s or ]/A319/A318 series aircraft. On June 4, 2008, ] announced it would retire all 94 of its Classic 737 aircraft (64 737-300 and 30 737-500 aircraft), replacing them with ] jets taken from its ] subsidiary, which has been shut down.<ref>"UAL Cuts Could Be Omen." '']'', June 5, 2008, p. B3.</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=David Grossman|title=Why Ted's demise is a boost for business travelers|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2008-06-27-demise-of-ted_N.htm|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|publisher=USA Today|accessdate={{date|2014-11-19}}|date=June 29, 2000}}</ref><ref>"Airline Shares Gain Despite Losses." '']'', July 23, 2008, p. B3.</ref>
The short-field capabilities of the 737-200 led Boeing to offer the ] (see the Air North example, right). This option reduced ] when operated on remote, unimproved or unpaved runways, that competing jetliners could not use safely. The kit included a gravel deflector on the nose gear and a vortex dissipator extending from the front of the engine. ] used the gravel kit for some of its ] rural operations in ] until retiring its -200 fleet in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Airplane That Never Sleeps|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2002-07-15-The-Airplane-That-Never-Sleeps|publisher=Boeing|access-date=November 19, 2014|date=July 15, 2002|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129033740/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2002-07-15-The-Airplane-That-Never-Sleeps|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117642845035668637 |title=Arctic Eagles Bid Mud Hens Farewell At Alaska Airlines |last=Carey |first=Susan |date=April 13, 2007 |work=] |access-date=February 7, 2015 |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207152612/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117642845035668637 |url-status=live}}</ref> ], ] and ] still use the gravel kit in Northern Canada.
] also operated a gravel-kitted 737-200 Combi, but this was due to be retired in early 2023.<ref> December 13, 2022</ref>


{{as of|2023|09}}, a relatively high number of 737-200s remain in service compared to other early jet airliners, with fifty examples actively flying for thirty carriers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Andrew |date=September 1, 2023 |title=Where Are Boeing 737-200s Flying in 2023? |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2023/09/01/where-are-boeing-737-200s-flying-in-2023/ |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=AirlineGeeks.com |language=en}}</ref> During the ], older 737s, including the 200 and ], were in demand for leasing.<ref>{{cite web |last=LeBeau |first=Phil |title=Airlines hurt by the 737 Max grounding are scrambling to find replacement jets |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/09/airlines-hurt-by-737-max-grounding-are-scrambling-to-find-replacements.html |website=CNBC |date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> C-GNLK, one of Nolinor's 737-200s, is the oldest jet airliner in commercial service as of 2024, having entered service 50 years prior in 1974.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=This is an unsupported superlative, though it may be true.}}
===Next-Generation models===
{{Main article|Boeing 737 Next Generation}}


=== 737 Classic (second generation) ===
Prompted by the modern ], Boeing initiated development of an updated series of aircraft in 1991.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=132|ps=}} After working with potential customers, the 737 Next Generation (NG) program was announced on November&nbsp;17, 1993.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}} The 737NG encompasses the -600, -700, -800, and -900, and is to date the most significant upgrade of the airframe. The performance of the 737NG is, in essence, that of a new aircraft, but important commonality is retained from previous 737 models.<ref name="About the 737 Family" />
{{main|Boeing 737 Classic}}


The ''Boeing 737 Classic'' is the name given to the 737-300/400/500 series after the introduction of the -600/700/800/900 series of the Boeing 737 family.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/facts.page |title= Boeing: Boeing 737 Facts |date= September 6, 2013 |access-date= February 7, 2015 |publisher= Boeing |archive-date= February 15, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150215183442/http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/facts.page |url-status= live}}</ref> Produced from 1984 to 2000, a total of 1,988 Classic series were delivered.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=129|ps=}}
]
The wing was redesigned with a new ] section, greater ], increased wing span by {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=on}} and area by 25%, which increased total fuel capacity by 30%. New, quieter, more fuel-efficient ] engines were used.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=133|ps=}} The wing, engine, and fuel capacity improvements combined increase the 737's range by 900&nbsp;nautical miles to over {{convert|3000|nmi|km}},<ref name=737family>{{cite web|title=About the 737 Family|url=http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/background.page|website=www.boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-18}}}}</ref> now permitting transcontinental service.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}} With the increased fuel capacity, higher ] (MTOW) specifications are offered. The 737NG included redesigned vertical stabilizers, and ] were available on most models.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_17/winglet_story.html|title= Aero 17 - Blended Winglets |date=2009 |website = |publisher = Boeing |last = |first = |accessdate= 7 February 2015}}</ref> The flight deck was upgraded with modern avionics, and passenger cabin improvements similar to those on the ], including more curved surfaces and larger overhead bins than previous-generation 737s. The Next Generation 737 interior was also adopted on the ].<ref>{{harvnb|Birtles|2001|pp=28–29.}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Norris|Wagner|1999|pp=101–02.}}</ref>


Close to the next major upgrade of single aisle aircraft at Airbus and Boeing, the price of jet fuel reached a peak in 2008, when airlines devoted 40% of the retail price of an air ticket to pay for fuel, versus 15% in 2000.<ref>"To Save Fuel, Airlines Find No Speck Too Small." '']'', June 11, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jet Fuel Price Development |url=http://www.iata.org/publications/economics/fuel-monitor/Pages/price-development.aspx |publisher=IATA |access-date=April 10, 2015 |archive-date=April 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411084634/http://www.iata.org/publications/economics/fuel-monitor/Pages/price-development.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, in that year carriers retired Boeing 737 Classic aircraft to reduce fuel consumption; replacements consisted of more efficient 737 Next Generation or A320 family aircraft. On June 4, 2008, ] announced it would retire all 94 of its Classic 737 aircraft (64 737-300 and 30 737-500 aircraft), replacing them with A320 family jets taken from its ] subsidiary, which has been shut down.<ref>"UAL Cuts Could Be Omen." '']'', June 5, 2008, p. B3.</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=David Grossman |date=June 29, 2000 |title=Why Ted's demise is a boost for business travelers |website=USA Today |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2008-06-27-demise-of-ted_N.htm |access-date=November 19, 2014 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016201845/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2008-06-27-demise-of-ted_N.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"Airline Shares Gain Despite Losses." '']'', July 23, 2008, p. B3.</ref> This intensified the competition between the two giant aircraft manufacturers, which has since become a ].
The first NG to roll out was a -700, on December 8, 1996. This aircraft, the 2,843rd 737 built, first flew on February 9, 1997. The prototype -800 rolled out on June 30, 1997, and first flew on July 31, 1997. The smallest of the new variants, the -600s, is the same size as the -500. It was the last in this series to launch, in December 1997. First flying January 22, 1998, it was given certification on August 18, 1998.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}}{{sfn|Shaw|1999|pp=14–15|ps=}} A flight test program was operated by 10 aircraft; 3 -600s, 4 -700s, and 3 -800s.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}}


An optional upgrade with ]s became available for the Classic and NG series.
]-Boeing livery, showing blended winglets available on the 737 Next Generation models]]
* The 737-300 and 737-500 can be retrofitted with ] Boeing winglets, and the 737-300 retrofitted with winglets is designated the -300SP (Special Performance).
In 2004, Boeing offered a Short Field Performance package in response to the needs of ], which frequently operates from restricted airports. The enhancements improve takeoff and landing performance. The optional package is available for the 737NG models and standard equipment for the 737-900ER. The CFM56-7B Evolution nacelle began testing in August 2009 to be used on the new 737 PIP (Performance Improvement Package) due to enter service mid-2011. This new improvement is said to shave at least 1% off overall drag and have some weight benefits. Overall, it is claimed to have a 2% improvement on fuel burn on longer stages.<ref name=margins>Kingsley-Jones, Max. ''flightglobal.com'', October 27, 2009. Retrieved: June 23, 2010.</ref> In 2010, new interior options for the 737NG included the ]-style Boeing Sky Interior.<ref name=margins/>
* WestJet was to launch the 737-600 with winglets, but dropped them in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/winglets/index.html |title= Next-Generation 737 Production Winglets |publisher= Boeing|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080428073227/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/winglets/index.html |archive-date= April 28, 2008}}</ref>


==== 737-300 ====
Boeing delivered the 5,000th 737 to ] on February 13, 2006. Boeing delivered the 6,000th 737 to ] in April 2009. Boeing delivered the 8,000th 737 to ] on April 16, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing’s 737 Turns 8,000: The Best-Selling Plane Ever Isn’t Slowing|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-16/boeing-s-737-turns-8-000-the-best-selling-plane-ever-isn-t-slowing?campaign_id=yhoo|publisher=Bloomberg Business Week|date=April 16, 2014}}</ref> The Airbus A320 family has outsold the 737NG over the past decade,<ref>{{cite web|title=Airbus A320 Family passes the 5,000th order mark|url=http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-a320-family-passes-the-5000th-order-mark/|publisher=Airbus|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=January 25, 2007}}</ref><ref> ''aviationexplorer.com.''. Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907000000/http://www.airbus.com/en/corporate/orders_and_deliveries/ |date=September 7, 2009 }} ''Airbus.'' Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref> although its order totals include the A321 and A318, which have also rivaled Boeing's ] and ], respectively.<ref name=facts> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119134100/http://www.flightlevel350.com/Airbus-A320_aircraft_facts.html |date=January 19, 2013 }} ''Flightlevel350.com.'' Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref> The 737NG has also outsold the A320 on an annual basis in past years,<ref>Gorman, Brian. ''Motley Fool.'', February 1, 2007. Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref><ref>Kingsley-Jones, Max. ''Flight Global,'' January 2008. Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref><ref>"Global aircraft orders, deliveries and backlog in units for Boeing vs Airbus". ''Interavia Business & Technology'', 2002-01.</ref><ref>Cochennec, Yonn. ''Interavia Business & Technology'', February 2003. Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref><ref>Sutton, Oliver. ''Interavia Business & Technology,'' February 2001. Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref> with the next generation series extending the jetliner's run as the most widely sold<ref> ''Rhein-Zeitung,'' January 3, 2004. via ''Agence France-Presse.'' Retrieved: May 12, 2010.</ref><ref name="times">Robertson, David. ''The Times,'' March 12, 2007. Retrieved: April 22, 2010. <!-- The 737 is the world’s best-selling airliner. --></ref>{{sfn|Anderson|Eberhardt|2009|p=61|ps=}} and commonly flown airliner family since its introduction.<ref name=smhw>O’Sullivan, Matt. ''The Sydney Morning Herald'', January 2, 2009. Retrieved: April 22, 2010. Quote: Boeing will stick with the 737, the world's most widely flown aircraft.</ref><ref> ''Chicago Tribune,'' January 4, 2008. Retrieved: April 22, 2010.</ref><ref>Layne, Rachel. ''BusinessWeek,'' February 26, 2010. Retrieved: April 22, 2010.</ref><ref name=kt>Rahn, Kim. ''Korea Times.'' Retrieved: April 22, 2010.</ref><ref name=fg> ''Flight Global.'' Retrieved: April 22, 2010. Quote: the best selling commercial airliner in history.</ref><ref name=bj>Jiang, Steven. ''The Beijinger.'' Retrieved: April 22, 2010. Quote: A320, the workhorse of many airlines and the second best-selling jetliner family of all time (after Boeing’s venerable B737).</ref> The 10,000th aircraft was ordered in July 2012.<ref> ''Boeing.com'', July 12, 2012. Retrieved: July 20, 2012.</ref>
].]]
Development began in 1979 for the 737's first major revision, which was originally introduced as the 'new generation' of the 737.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=7|ps=}} Boeing wanted to increase capacity and range, incorporating improvements to upgrade the aircraft to modern specifications, while also retaining commonality with previous 737 variants. In 1980, preliminary aircraft specifications of the variant, dubbed 737-300, were released at the ].{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=126|ps=}} This first major upgrade series was later renamed 737 Classic. It competed primarily with the MD-80, its later derivative the ], and the newcomer ].


Boeing engineer Mark Gregoire led a design team, which cooperated with ] to select, modify and deploy a new engine and nacelle that would make the 737-300 into a viable aircraft. They chose the ] ] ] engine to power the aircraft, which yielded significant gains in fuel economy and a reduction in noise, but also posed an engineering challenge, given the low ground clearance of the 737 and the larger diameter of the engine over the original Pratt & Whitney engines. Gregoire's team and CFM solved the problem by reducing the size of the fan (which made the engine slightly less efficient than it had been forecast to be), placing the engine ahead of the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides of the engine pod, giving the engine a distinctive non-circular "hamster ]" air intake.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}}<ref>Sweetman, Bill, All mouth, Air & Space, September 2014, p.14</ref> Earlier customers for the CFM56 included the U.S. Air Force with its program to re-engine KC-135 tankers.{{sfn|Garvin |1998|p=137}}
Boeing produces 42 of the type per month in 2015, and expects to increase to 52 per month in 2018.<ref name=osb1>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/analysts-flag-potential-airliner-glut |title=Analysts Flag Potential Airliner Glut |work=] |first=Joe |last=Anselmo |date=2 March 2015 |accessdate=4 March 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304202822/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/analysts-flag-potential-airliner-glut |archivedate=March 4, 2015 |deadurl=no}}</ref> The slow selling 737-600 is no longer being marketed and was removed from the Boeing website as of 2016, its position as the smallest model being taken by the more popular 737-700.<ref>http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737ng/</ref>


The passenger capacity of the aircraft was increased to 149 by extending the fuselage around the wing by {{Convert|2.87|m|ftin|sp=us|order=flip}}. The wing incorporated several changes for improved aerodynamics. The wingtip was extended {{Convert|9|in|cm}}, and the wingspan by {{Convert|1|ft|9|in|cm}}. The leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps were adjusted.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}} The tailfin was redesigned, the flight deck was improved with the optional EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System), and the passenger cabin incorporated improvements similar to those developed on the ].{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=10|ps=}} The prototype -300, the 1,001st 737 built, first flew on February 24, 1984, with pilot Jim McRoberts.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=10|ps=}} It and two production aircraft flew a nine-month-long certification program.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|pp=12–13|ps=}} The 737-300 retrofitted with ]' winglets was designated the -300SP (''Special Performance''). The 737-300 was replaced by the 737-700 of the Next Generation series.
The 737, particularly the ], has been featured in many flight simulation games, including ] and ].{{cn|date=December 2016}}


===Replacement or re-engining=== ==== 737-400 ====
]]]
{{main article|Boeing Yellowstone Project|Boeing 737 MAX}}


The 737-400 was launched in 1985 to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200. In June 1986, Boeing announced the development of the 737-400,{{sfn|Redding|Yenne|1997|p=185|ps=}} which stretched the fuselage a further {{Convert|10|ft}}, increasing the capacity to 188 passengers, and requiring a tail bumper to prevent ]s during take-off and a strengthened ].<ref name="rgl.faa.gov">{{cite report |title=FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet A16WE |url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9c59427a20b3253686257d03004d8faa/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_53.pdf |publisher=Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration |date= |access-date=July 8, 2015 |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225060513/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9c59427a20b3253686257d03004d8faa/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_53.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The -400s first flight was on February 19, 1988, and, after a seven-month/500-hour flight-testing run, entered service with ] that October.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} The last two -400s, i.e. the last 737 Classics series, were delivered to ] on February 28, 2000.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2000-02-28-Boeing-Delivers-737-400s-to-CSA-Czech-Airlines |title= Boeing Delivers 737-400s to CSA Czech Airlines |date= February 28, 2000 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= August 30, 2020 |archive-date= September 15, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200915173112/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2000-02-28-Boeing-Delivers-737-400s-to-CSA-Czech-Airlines |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737-400 was replaced by the 737-800 of the Next Generation series. The 737-400SF was a 737-400 converted to freighter, though it was not a model delivered by Boeing and hence the nickname ''Special Freighter (SF)''. ] was the first to convert one of their 400s from regular service to an aircraft with the ability to handle 10 pallets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/fleet/737-400-freighter.aspx |title=Boeing 737-400 Freighter |work=Aircraft Information |publisher=Alaska Airlines |access-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122165843/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/fleet/737-400-freighter.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> The airline had also converted five more into fixed combi aircraft for half passenger and freight. These 737-400 Combi aircraft were retired in 2017 and replaced by the 737-700F of the Next Generation series.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/fleet/combi-plane-retires/|title=The end of an era: Alaska retires unique cargo-passenger 'combi' planes|date=October 16, 2017|work=Alaska Airlines Blog|access-date=July 26, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326170156/https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/fleet/combi-plane-retires/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since 2006, Boeing has discussed replacing the 737 with a "clean sheet" design (internally named "Boeing Y1") that could follow the ].<ref> '']'', March 3, 2006. Retrieved: April 13, 2008.</ref> A decision on this replacement was postponed, and delayed into 2011.<ref>Hamilton, Scott. ''flightglobal,'' 2010. Retrieved: June 26, 2010.</ref> In November 2014, it was reported that Boeing plans to develop a new aircraft to replace the 737 in the 2030 time frame. The airplane is to have a similar fuselage, but probably made from composite materials similar to the ].<ref>. Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2014.</ref> Boeing also considers a parallel development along with the 757 replacement, similar to when the 757/767 were developed in the 1970s.<ref name=awnNeo>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-revisits-past-hunt-737757-successors |title=Boeing Revisits Past In Hunt For 737/757 Successors |work=] |last=Guy Norris and Jens Flottau |date=12 December 2014 |accessdate=14 December 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214161620/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-revisits-past-hunt-737757-successors |archivedate=December 14, 2014 |deadurl=no}}</ref>


==== 737-500 ====
On July 20, 2011, Boeing announced plans for a new 737 version to be powered by the ] engine, with ] intending to order 100 of these aircraft.<ref>. ''Boeing'', July 20, 2011. Retrieved: November 1, 2011.</ref> On August 30, 2011, Boeing confirmed the launch of the 737 new engine variant, called the ],<ref>. NewAirplane.com</ref> with new CFM International LEAP-1B engines.<ref> ''boeing.mediaroom.com,'' August 30, 2011.</ref><ref> ''flightglobal.com,'' August 30, 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Guy Norris|title=Boeing Board Gives Go-Ahead To Re-Engined 737|url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/boeing-board-gives-go-ahead-re-engined-737|website=aviationweek.com|publisher=Aviation Week|date=August 30, 2011}}</ref>
] 737-500 landing in ] in April 2008]]


The 737-500 was offered as a modern and direct replacement of the 737-200. It was launched in 1987 by ], with an order for 20 aircraft,{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=40|ps=}} and it flew for the first time on June 30, 1989.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} A single prototype flew 375 hours for the certification process,{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} and on February 28, 1990, ] received the first delivery.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=129|ps=}}
On September 23, 2015, Boeing announced a collaboration with ] to build a completion and delivery facility for the 737 in China, the first outside the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |title= Boeing To Build Its First Offshore Plane Factory In China As Ex-Im Bank Withers |url= http://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2015/09/23/boeing-to-build-its-first-offshore-plane-factory-in-china-as-ex-im-bank-withers/ |first= Loren |last= Thompson |accessdate = 2015-09-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-09-23-Boeing-Hosts-China-President-Xi-Jinping-Announces-Airplane-Sales-Expanded-Collaboration-with-Chinas-Aviation-Industry|title=Boeing|publisher=}}</ref>


The -500 incorporated the improvements of the 737 Classic series, allowing longer routes with fewer passengers to be more economical than with the 737-300. The fuselage length of the 737-500 is {{Convert|1|ft|7|in|cm}} longer than the 737-200, accommodating up to 140<ref name="rgl.faa.gov" /> passengers. Both glass and older-style mechanical cockpits arrangements were available.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}} Using the CFM56-3 engine also gave a 25 percent increase in ] over the older 737-200s P&W engines.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=14|ps=}}
==Design==
The 737-500 has faced accelerated retirement due to its smaller size, after 21 years in service compared to 24 years for the -300.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://airwaysmag.com/airchive/southwest-retires-final-boeing-737-500/|title=Southwest Retires Final Boeing 737-500|work=Aircraft Information|date=September 7, 2016 |publisher=Airways Magazine|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307231717/https://airwaysmag.com/airchive/southwest-retires-final-boeing-737-500/|url-status=live}}</ref> While a few 737-300s were slated for freighter conversion, no demand at all existed for a -500 freighter conversion. The 737-500 was replaced by the 737-600 of the Next Generation series, though the -600 was not as successful in total orders as the -500.
] and engine ]s with flattened underside and triangular shape]]


=== 737 NG (third generation) ===
The 737's main landing gear under the wings at mid-cabin rotates into wells in the aircraft's belly. The legs are covered by partial doors, and "brush-like" seals aerodynamically smooth (or "fair") the wheels in the wells. The sides of the tires are exposed to the air in flight. "Hub caps" complete the aerodynamic profile of the wheels. It is forbidden to operate without the caps, because they are linked to the ground speed sensor that interfaces with the anti-skid brake system. The dark circles of the tires are clearly visible when a 737 takes off, or is at low altitude.<ref>Dekkers, Daniel, et al. (Project 2A2H). {{Dead link|date=November 2014}} ''Hogeschool van Amsterdam. Aviation Sudies.'' October 2008. Retrieved: August 20, 2011.</ref>
{{main|Boeing 737 Next Generation}}


The ''Boeing 737 Next Generation'', abbreviated as ''737 Next Gen'' or ''737NG'', is the name given to the main models 737-600/700/800/900 series and the extended range -700ER/900ER variants of the Boeing 737 family. It has been produced since 1996 and introduced in 1997, with a total order of 7,097 aircraft, of which 7,031 have been delivered {{as of|2019|May|df=|lc=y}}.<ref name=O_D_summ /><ref name="Flying blind" /> The primary goal was to re-engine the 737 with the high bypass ratio ]. By the early 1990s, as the MD-80 slowly withdrew from the competition following the introduction of the MD-90, it had become clear that the new A320 family was a serious threat to Boeing's market share. Airbus won previously loyal 737 customers, such as Lufthansa and United Airlines. In November 1993, to stay in the single aisle competition, Boeing's board of directors authorized the Next Generation program to mainly upgrade the ] series.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125233751/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/pf/pf_ng_milestones.html |date=January 25, 2008}} ''The Boeing Company.'' Retrieved: January 22, 2008.</ref> In late 1993, after engineering trade studies and discussions with major customers, Boeing proceeded to launch a second derivative of the Boeing 737, the ] (NG) -600/700/800/900 series.<ref name=O_D_summ /> It featured a redesigned wing with a wider wingspan and larger area, greater fuel capacity, longer range and higher ]. It was equipped with ] high pressure ratio engines, a ], and upgraded interior configurations. The four main models of the series can accommodate seating for 108 to 215 passengers. It was further developed into additional versions such as the corporate ] (BBJ) and military ] aircraft. Following the merger between Boeing with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the primary competitor for the 737NG series remained only the A320 family.] 737-600 at ] on January 15, 2005]]
737s are not equipped with ]. The original aircraft were too small to require them, and adding a fuel dump system to the later, larger variants would have incurred a large weight penalty. Boeing instead demonstrated an "equivalent level of safety". Depending upon the nature of the emergency, 737s either circle to burn off fuel or land overweight. If the latter is the case, the aircraft is inspected by maintenance personnel for damage and then returned to service if none is found.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Commercial Aircraft - In-Flight Fuel Jettison Capability|url=http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/faqs/fueldump.pdf|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-23}}|format=PDF}}</ref><ref>Cheung, Humphrey. ''tgdaily.com,'' 2 September 2008. Retrieved: August 20, 2011.</ref>


===Engines=== ==== 737-600 ====
The 737-600 was the smallest of the Next-Generation models, replacing the 737-500. It had no winglets and was similar in size to the ]. Launch customer ] (SAS) placed its order in March 1995 and took the first delivery in September 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/putting-the-family-to-work-51106/ |title= Putting the family to work |date= May 12, 1999 |magazine= Flight International |author= Andrew Doyle, Max Kingsley-Jones, Paul Lewis, Guy Norris |access-date= June 11, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145307/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/putting-the-family-to-work-51106/ |archive-date= June 12, 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref> A total of 69 aircraft were produced, with the last one delivered to ] in 2006.<ref name=O_D_summ />
]


==== 737-700 ====
Engines on the 737 Classic series (300, 400, 500) and Next-Generation series (600, 700, 800, 900) do not have circular inlets like most aircraft. The 737 Classic series featured ] ] engines, which yielded significant gains in fuel economy and a reduction in noise over the ] engines used on the -100 and -200, but also posed an engineering challenge given the low ground clearance of the 737. Boeing and engine supplier ] solved the problem by placing the engine ahead of (rather than below) the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides (rather than the bottom) of the engine pod, giving the 737 a distinctive non-circular air intake.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}}
] 737-700 at ] in March 2022]]
The 737-700, the first variant of the Next-Generation, was launched in November 1993 with an order of 63 aircraft. The -700 seats 126 passengers in a two-class or 149 passengers in a one-class layout. Launch customer ] took the first delivery in December 1997.<ref name=Boeing17dec1997>{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/1997-12-17-First-Boeing-737-700-Goes-to-Southwest-Airlines |title= First Boeing 737-700 Goes to Southwest Airlines |date= December 17, 1997 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= June 11, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180609005014/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/1997-12-17-First-Boeing-737-700-Goes-to-Southwest-Airlines |archive-date= June 9, 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737-700 replaced the 737-300 and competes with the ].


The ''737-700C'' is a convertible version where the seats can be removed to carry cargo instead. There is a large door on the left side of the aircraft. The ] was the launch customer for the 737-700C under the military designation ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527061741/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=2647 |date=May 27, 2008}}. ''DefenseLink (U.S. Department of Defense)''. Retrieved January 21, 2008.</ref>
The wing also incorporated a number of changes for improved aerodynamics. The engines' accessory ] was moved from the 6 o'clock position under the engine to the 4 o'clock position (from a front/forward looking aft perspective). This side-mounted gearbox gives the engine a somewhat triangular rounded shape. Because the engine is close to the ground, 737-300s and later models are more prone to engine ] (FOD). The improved ] turbofan engine on the 737 Next Generation is 7% more fuel-efficient than the previous CFM56-3 in the 737 classics. The newest 737 variants, the 737 MAX family, are to feature ] engines with a 1.73 m fan diameter. These engines are expected to be 10-12% more efficient than the CFM56-7B engines on the 737 Next Generation family.<ref>{{cite news |last= Ostrower |first= Jon |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/30/361428/boeing-designates-737-max-family.html |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110925210731/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/30/361428/boeing-designates-737-max-family.html |archivedate= 2011-09-25 |title= Boeing designates 737 MAX family |date= August 30, 2011 |work=Air Transport Intelligence |accessdate =September 5, 2011}}</ref>


The ''737-700ER'' (Extended ]) was launched on January 31, 2006, and featured the fuselage of the 737-700 and the wings and landing gear of the 737-800.<!--<ref name=Boeing31jan2006>--> A 737-700ER can typically accommodate 126 passengers in two classes with a range similar to the ].<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-02-16-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-700ER-to-Launch-Customer-ANA |title= Boeing Delivers First 737-700ER to Launch Customer ANA |publisher= Boeing |date= February 16, 2007 |access-date= June 11, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141757/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-02-16-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-700ER-to-Launch-Customer-ANA |archive-date= June 12, 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref>
===Flight systems===

==== 737-800 ====
] landing at ] in November 2010.]]
The 737-800 was a stretched version of the 737-700 launched on September 5, 1994. The -800 seats 162 passengers in a two-class or 189 passengers in a high-density, one-class layout. Launch customer ] (now ]) received the first one in April 1998.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/1998-04-23-First-Boeing-Next-Generation-737-800-Goes-To-Hapag-Lloyd |title= First Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 Goes To Hapag-Lloyd |date= April 23, 1998 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= September 5, 2020 |archive-date= September 15, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200915184844/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/1998-04-23-First-Boeing-Next-Generation-737-800-Goes-To-Hapag-Lloyd |url-status= live}}</ref> The -800 replaced directly the -400 and aging 727-200 of US airlines. It filled also the gap left by Boeing's decision to discontinue the MD-80 and ] aircraft, following Boeing's merger with ]. The 737-800 is the most widely used narrowbody aircraft and competes primarily with the Airbus A320.<ref name=B738>{{cite web|url=https://www.mro-network.com/airframe/boeing-737-800-not-expected-peak-until-2021|title=Inside MRO: Boeing 737-800 Not Expected To Peak Until 2021|last=Derber|first=Alex|work=MRO Network |date=June 14, 2018|publisher=Aviation Week & Space Technology|access-date=August 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052311/https://www.mro-network.com/airframe/boeing-737-800-not-expected-peak-until-2021|archive-date=August 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 737-900 ====
]. This was the longest 737 variant until the ] made its first flight in 2021.]]

The 737-900 was launched in 1997 and took its first flight on August 3, 2000. It retains the ], fuel capacity, trading range for payload and also the exit configuration of the -800, limiting its seat capacity to approximately 177 in a two class and 189 in a high-density, one class layout. Launch customer ] received the delivery on May 15, 2001.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

The ''737-900ER'' (Extended Range) is the newest and largest variant of the 737NG generation. An additional pair of exit doors and a flat ] increased its seating capacity to 180 passengers in a two-class and up to 220 passengers in a one-class configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9dd07e4b4293722e86257dfc006774ca/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_54.pdf|title=FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet|access-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225060506/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9dd07e4b4293722e86257dfc006774ca/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_54.pdf|archive-date=December 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The -900ER was introduced to meet the range and passenger capacity of the discontinued ] and to directly compete with the ].

=== 737 MAX (fourth generation) ===
{{main|Boeing 737 MAX}}

The ''Boeing 737 MAX'' is the name given to the main models 737 MAX 7/8/9/10 series and the higher-density MAX 200 variant of the Boeing 737 family. It is offered in four main variants, typically offering 138 to 230 seats and a range of {{Convert|3,215|to|3,825|nmi|abbr=~|lk=in}}. <!--Orders-->The 737 MAX&nbsp;7, MAX&nbsp;8 (including the denser, 200-seat MAX&nbsp;200), and MAX&nbsp;9 replace the 737-700, -800, and -900 respectively. The further stretched 737 MAX&nbsp;10 has also been added to the series. The aim was to re-engine the 737NG family using CFM LEAP-1B engines having very high bypass ratio, to compete with the ] family. On July 20, 2011, Boeing announced plans for a third major upgrade and respectively fourth generation of 737 series to be powered by the ]-1B engine, with ] intending to order 100 of these aircraft.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2011-07-20-Boeing-and-American-Airlines-Agree-on-Order-for-up-to-300-Airplanes |title= Boeing and American Airlines Agree on Order for up to 300 Airplanes |publisher= Boeing |date= July 20, 2011 |access-date= February 26, 2020 |archive-date= May 15, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130515174119/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1845 |url-status= live}}</ref>

On August 30, 2011, Boeing confirmed the launch of the 737 new engine variant, to be called the ].<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?item=1907 |title= Boeing Launches 737 New Engine Family with Commitments for 496 Airplanes from Five Airlines |publisher= Boeing |date= August 30, 2011 |access-date= August 30, 2011 |archive-date= March 25, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120325125301/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?item=1907 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/boeing-officially-launches-re-engined-737/101830.article |title= Boeing officially launches re-engined 737 |work= Flightglobal |date= August 30, 2011 |access-date= February 26, 2020 |archive-date= February 26, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200226074024/https://www.flightglobal.com/boeing-officially-launches-re-engined-737/101830.article |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= Guy Norris |title= Boeing Board Gives Go-Ahead To Re-Engined 737 |url= http://aviationweek.com/awin/boeing-board-gives-go-ahead-re-engined-737 |work= Aviation Week |date= August 30, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170804230502/http://aviationweek.com/awin/boeing-board-gives-go-ahead-re-engined-737 |archive-date= August 4, 2017}}</ref> It was based on earlier 737 designs with more efficient LEAP-1B power plants, aerodynamic improvements (most notably split-tip ]), and airframe modifications. It competes with the ] that was launched in December 2010 and reached 1,029 orders by June 2011, breaking Boeing's monopoly with ], which had an order for 130 A320neos that July.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/business/global/american-places-record-order-with-2-jet-makers.html |title= American Orders 460 Narrow Jets from Boeing and Airbus |work= The New York Times |date= July 20, 2011 |access-date= August 24, 2017 |archive-date= June 18, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203630/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/business/global/american-places-record-order-with-2-jet-makers.html |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737 MAX had its first flight on January 29, 2016, and gained FAA certification on March 8, 2017.<ref name=ST160129>{{cite web |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeings-737-max-takes-off-on-first-flight/ |title=Boeing's 737 MAX takes wing with new engines, high hopes |date=January 29, 2016 |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 8, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409134614/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeings-737-max-takes-off-on-first-flight/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=FAA-TCDS>{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/0970d54d00efbb9a862580de006a83cc/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_58.pdf |title= Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A16WE |date= March 8, 2017 |publisher= FAA |access-date= September 8, 2018 |archive-date= November 13, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165744/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/0970d54d00efbb9a862580de006a83cc/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_58.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref> The first delivery was a MAX&nbsp;8 on May 6, 2017, to ]'s subsidiary ],<ref name=Flight16may2017>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-delivers-first-737-max-437289/ |title= Boeing delivers first 737 Max |date= May 16, 2017 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal |access-date= September 8, 2018 |archive-date= December 29, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181229205216/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-delivers-first-737-max-437289/ |url-status= live}}</ref> which put it into service on May 22, 2017.<ref name=Flight22may2017>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/malindo-operates-worlds-first-737-max-flight-437454/ |title=Malindo operates world's first 737 Max flight |author=Hashim Firdaus |date=May 22, 2017 |work=] |access-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113205531/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/malindo-operates-worlds-first-737-max-flight-437454/ |url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|2019|January}}, the series has received 5,011 firm orders.<ref name="O_D_summ" />

In March 2019, ] around the world ] following two ] crashes which caused 346 deaths.<ref name=nyt-maxgroundings>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/13/business/canada-737-max.html|title=Trump Announces Ban of Boeing 737 Max Flights|last1=Austen|first1=Ian|date=March 13, 2019|work=]|last2=Gebrekidan|first2=Selam|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=September 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913163144/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/13/business/canada-737-max.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 16, 2019, Boeing announced that it would suspend production of the 737 MAX from January 2020,<ref name=Boeing16dec2019>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-16-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-737-MAX-Production |title= Boeing Statement Regarding 737 MAX Production |date= December 16, 2019 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= January 9, 2020 |archive-date= December 17, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191217161043/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-12-16-Boeing-Statement-Regarding-737-MAX-Production |url-status= live}}</ref> which was resumed in May 2020. In the midyear 2020, the FAA and Boeing conducted a series of recertification test flights.<ref name="FAAflighttestscompleted">{{cite web |title=FAA Updates on Boeing 737 MAX |url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=93206 |website=www.faa.gov |access-date=July 2, 2020 |date=July 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901092700/https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=93206 |url-status=live}}</ref> On November 18, 2020, the FAA cleared the MAX to return to service. Before the aircraft can fly again, repairs must be implemented and airlines' training programs must be approved. Passenger flights in the U.S. are expected to resume before the end of the year.<ref name="SeattleTimesUngrounding">{{cite news |last1=Gates |first1=Dominic |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-737-max-can-return-to-the-skies-says-faa/ |work=Seattle Times|date=November 18, 2020 |title=Boeing 737 MAX can return to the skies, FAA says |access-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130042530/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-737-max-can-return-to-the-skies-says-faa/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Worldwide, the first airline to resume passenger service was Brazilian low-cost ], on December 9, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boeing 737 Max: Brazilian airline resumes passenger flights |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-55243961 |work=BBC News |date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209142253/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-55243961 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 737 MAX 7 ====
]
The 737 MAX 7, a shortened variant of the MAX&nbsp;8, was originally based on the 737-700, flying {{Convert|1,000|nmi}} farther and accommodating two more seat rows at 18% lower fuel costs per seat.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/industry/boeing-737-max-sparkles-as-max-7-5-10x-loom/ |title= Farnborough: Boeing's Execution on 737 MAX Sparkles as MAX 7.5 and MAX 10X Loom |work= Airways Magazine |date= July 10, 2016 |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= July 11, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160711115643/https://airwaysmag.com/industry/boeing-737-max-sparkles-as-max-7-5-10x-loom/ |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=FG_Max_7_redesign>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-boeing-confirms-737-max-7-redesign-427190/ |title= Boeing confirms 737 Max 7 redesign |publisher= FlightGlobal |date= July 11, 2016 |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= November 29, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191129034102/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-boeing-confirms-737-max-7-redesign-427190/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The redesign uses the 737-8 wing and landing gear; a pair of over-wing exits rather than the single-door configuration; a {{Convert|46|in|mm|adj=mid|-longer}} aft fuselage and a {{Convert|30|in|mm|adj=mid|-longer}} longer forward fuselage; structural re-gauging and strengthening; and systems and interior modifications to accommodate the longer length.<ref name=AIN160711>{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2016-07-12/boeing-upscales-737-700 |title= Boeing Upscales 737-700 |work= Aviation International News |date= July 12, 2016 |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= May 27, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210527120649/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2016-07-12/boeing-upscales-737-max-7 |url-status= live}}</ref> Entry into service with launch operator Southwest Airlines was expected in January 2019, but the airline deferred these orders until 2023–2024.<ref name=Flight4oct2017>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-starts-building-first-737-max-7-441830/ |title= Boeing starts building first 737 Max 7 |date= October 4, 2017 |first= Stephen |last= Trimble |publisher= FlightGlobal |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= May 10, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190510153352/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-starts-building-first-737-max-7-441830/ |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=Flight2Jan2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-converts-options-for-40-more-737-max-8s-444563/ |title= Southwest converts options for 40 more 737 Max 8s |date= January 2, 2018 |first= Ghim-Lay |last= Yeo |publisher= FlightGlobal |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= April 9, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190409131120/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-converts-options-for-40-more-737-max-8s-444563/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737 MAX 7 replaced the 737-700 and was predicted to carry 12 more passengers and fly {{Convert|400|nmi}} farther than the competing ] with 7% lower operating costs per seat.<ref name=AvWeek16mar2018>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/new-civil-aircraft/boeing-begins-737-7-flight-test-program |title= Boeing Begins 737-7 Flight Test Program |date= March 16, 2018 |first= Guy |last= Norris |work= Aviation Week Network |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= October 17, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181017221034/http://aviationweek.com/new-civil-aircraft/boeing-begins-737-7-flight-test-program |url-status= live}}</ref>

==== 737 MAX 8 ====
] livery).]]

The 737 MAX 8, the first variant of the 737 MAX, has a longer fuselage than the MAX 7. On July 23, 2013, Boeing completed the firm configuration for the 737 MAX 8.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923052701/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2013-07-23-Boeing-Completes-737-MAX-8-Firm-Configuration |date=September 23, 2015}}. Boeing, July 23, 2013.</ref> Its first commercial flight was operated by ] on May 22, 2017. The MAX 8 replaced the 737-800 and competed with the A320neo.

The ''737 MAX 200'', a high-density version of the 737 MAX 8, was launched in September 2014 and named for seating for up to 200 passengers in a single-class layout with ] requiring an extra pair of ]. The MAX 200 would be 20% more cost-efficient per seat, including 5% lower operating costs than the MAX 8 and would be the most efficient narrow-body on the market when entering service.<ref>{{cite press release |title= Boeing Launches 737 MAX 200 with Ryanair |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2014-09-08-Boeing-Launches-737-MAX-200-with-Ryanair |publisher= Boeing |date= September 8, 2014 |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= September 9, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140909004548/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2014-09-08-Boeing-Launches-737-MAX-200-with-Ryanair |url-status= live}}</ref> In mid-November 2018, the first MAX 200 of the 135 ordered by Ryanair rolled out, in a 197-seat configuration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Noëth |first1=Bart |title=Ryanair's first Boeing 737 MAX 200 aircraft has rolled out of Boeing's final assembly line |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/ryanair/first-boeing-737-max-200-aircraft-rolled-out-boeing-final-assembly-line/ |work=Aviation24.be |date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817201156/https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/ryanair/first-boeing-737-max-200-aircraft-rolled-out-boeing-final-assembly-line/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was first flown from Renton on January 13, 2019, and was due to enter service in April 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/first-high-capacity-boeing-737-8-enters-flight-test |title= First High-Capacity Boeing 737-8 Enters Flight Test Jan 23, 2019 Guy Norris |work= Aviation Week Network |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= January 26, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190126163514/http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/first-high-capacity-boeing-737-8-enters-flight-test |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Oliver |title=Ryanair Max to make debut at Stansted |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ryanair-max-to-make-debut-at-stansted-455782/ |publisher=FlightGlobal |date=February 14, 2019 |access-date=September 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129034052/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ryanair-max-to-make-debut-at-stansted-455782/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 737 MAX 9 ====
] ]]

The 737 MAX 9, the stretched variant of the MAX 8, was launched with an order of 201 aircraft in February 2012. It made its roll-out on March 7, 2017, and first flight on April 13, 2017;<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeings-737-max-9-ready-for-first-flight-thursday/ |title= Boeing's 737 MAX 9 takes off on first flight |date= April 13, 2017 |newspaper= The Seattle Times |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= August 18, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200818071518/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeings-737-max-9-ready-for-first-flight-thursday/ |url-status= live}}</ref> It was certified by February 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-737-max-9-receives-certification-445995/ |title= Boeing 737 Max 9 receives certification |date= February 16, 2018 |first= Stephen |last= Trimble |publisher= FlightGlobal |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= May 10, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190510153424/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-737-max-9-receives-certification-445995/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The launch customer, Lion Air Group, took the first MAX 9 on March 21, 2018, before entering service with ].<ref name=Boeing21mar2018>{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-03-21-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-MAX-9 |title= Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX 9 |date= March 21, 2018 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= September 11, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200911160746/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-03-21-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-MAX-9 |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737 MAX 9 replaced the 737-900 and competes with the ].

==== 737 MAX 10 ====
]

The 737 MAX 10 was proposed as a stretched MAX 9 in mid-2016, enabling seating for 230 in a single class or 189 in two-class layout, compared to 193 in two-class seating for the A321neo. The modest {{Convert|66|in|m|adj=on|abbr=out}} stretch of fuselage enables the MAX 10 to retain the existing wing and CFM Leap 1B engine from the MAX 9 with a trailing-link main landing gear as the only major change.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/technology/boeing-defines-final-737-max-stretch-offering |title= Boeing Defines Final 737 MAX Stretch Offering |date= January 10, 2017 |first= Guy |last= Norris |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= January 31, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170131222215/http://aviationweek.com/technology/boeing-defines-final-737-max-stretch-offering |url-status= live}}</ref> The MAX 10 was launched on June 19, 2017, with 240 orders and commitments from more than ten customers.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-boeing-launches-737-max-10-438370/ |title= Boeing launches 737 Max 10 |date= June 19, 2017 |first= Stephen |last= Trimble |publisher= Flightglobal |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= May 10, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190510153358/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-boeing-launches-737-max-10-438370/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The variant configuration with a predicted 5% lower trip cost and seat cost compared to the A321neo was firmed up by February 2018, and by mid-2018, the ] was completed.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.boeingblogs.com/randy/archives/2017/03/max_10x_1.html |title= MAX 10X |first= Randy |last= Tinseth |date= March 6, 2017 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= November 26, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171126185251/http://www.boeingblogs.com/randy/archives/2017/03/max_10x_1.html |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-02-06-Boeing-737-MAX-10-Reaches-Firm-Configuration |title= Boeing 737 MAX 10 Reaches Firm Configuration |date= February 6, 2018 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= September 19, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200919105022/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-02-06-Boeing-737-MAX-10-Reaches-Firm-Configuration |url-status= live}}</ref> The MAX 10 has a similar capacity to the A321XLR, but shorter range and much poorer field performance in smaller airports.<ref>{{cite news |title=Why the A321XLR makes sense for Alaska Airlines |url=https://leehamnews.com/2020/02/23/why-the-a321xlr-makes-sense-for-alaska-airlines/ |access-date=February 24, 2020 |work=Leeham News and Analysis |date=February 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312173432/https://leehamnews.com/2020/02/23/why-the-a321xlr-makes-sense-for-alaska-airlines/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was unveiled in Boeing's Renton factory on November 22, 2019, and scheduled for first flight in 2020.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130578 |title= Boeing 737 MAX 10 Makes its Debut |date= November 22, 2019 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= September 6, 2020 |archive-date= September 15, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200915173156/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130578 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-boeing-new-airplane-20141105-story.html |title=Boeing plans to develop new airplane to replace 737 Max by 2030 |date=November 5, 2014 |work=Chicago Tribune |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141112215116/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-boeing-new-airplane-20141105-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2014}}</ref> Boeing also considered parallel development with the 757 replacement, similar to the development of the 757 and 767 in the 1970s.<ref name=awnNeo>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-revisits-past-hunt-737757-successors |title=Boeing Revisits Past In Hunt For 737/757 Successors |work=] |last=Guy Norris and Jens Flottau |date=December 12, 2014 |access-date=December 14, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141214161620/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-revisits-past-hunt-737757-successors |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the late 2010s, Boeing worked on a medium-range ] (NMA) with two variants seating 225 or 275 passengers and targeting the same market segment as the 737 MAX 10 and the Airbus A321neo.<ref name=aw20180207>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-still-lot-be-decided-nma |title= Boeing: Still 'A Lot' To Be Decided On NMA |date= February 7, 2018 |author= Michael Bruno |work= Aviation Week Network |access-date= January 24, 2020 |archive-date= October 10, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181010094223/http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/boeing-still-lot-be-decided-nma |url-status= live}}</ref> A Future Small Airplane (FSA) was also touted during this period.<ref name="aircurrent-20191028">{{cite news |title=Boeing's NMA in doubt as airlines take fresh look at 737 Max & 757 replacement |url=https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/boeings-nma-in-doubt-as-airlines-take-fresh-look-at-737-max-757-replacement/ |work=The Air Current |date=October 28, 2019 |access-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030072027/https://theaircurrent.com/aircraft-development/boeings-nma-in-doubt-as-airlines-take-fresh-look-at-737-max-757-replacement/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The NMA project was set aside in January 2020, as Boeing focused on returning the 737 MAX to service and announced that it would be taking a new approach to future projects.<ref name=Flight23jan2020>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/boeing-to-take-another-clean-sheet-to-nma-with-focus-on-pilots/136296.article |title= Boeing to take another 'clean sheet' to NMA with focus on pilots |author= Jon Hemmerdinger |date= January 23, 2020 |work= flightglobal |access-date= January 24, 2020 |archive-date= January 25, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200125100748/https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/boeing-to-take-another-clean-sheet-to-nma-with-focus-on-pilots/136296.article |url-status= live}}</ref>

== Design ==
The 737 continued to evolve into many variants but still remains recognizable as the 737. These are divided into four generations but all are based on the same basic design.

=== Airframe ===
The fuselage cross section and nose are derived from that of the ] and ]. Early 737 cockpits also inherited the "eyebrow windows" positioned above the main glareshield, which were a feature of the original 707 and 727<ref name="eyebrow">{{cite web |url=http://www.ppgaerospace.com/getmedia/ba64914b-c114-46bb-8cc4-c2ab09d440ee/B737_TD_FINAL.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf |title=Cockpit Windows Next-Generation 737, Classic 737, 727, 707 Airplanes |publisher=PPG Aerospace Transparencies |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904131052/http://www.ppgaerospace.com/getmedia/ba64914b-c114-46bb-8cc4-c2ab09d440ee/B737_TD_FINAL.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> to allow for better crew visibility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing Next-Generation 737 Gets a Face-Lift |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2005-01-26-Boeing-Next-Generation-737-Gets-a-Face-Lift |website=Boeing Media Room |publisher=Boeing |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-date=March 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064213/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2005-01-26-Boeing-Next-Generation-737-Gets-a-Face-Lift |url-status=live}}</ref> Contrary to popular belief, these windows were not intended for ]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wallace |first1=James |title=Aerospace Notebook: New Boeing 717 design is bound to lift quite a few eyebrows |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Aerospace-Notebook-New-Boeing-717-design-is-1085849.php |website=seattlepi.com |date=April 24, 2002 |publisher=Hearst Seattle Media, LLC |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703075821/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Aerospace-Notebook-New-Boeing-717-design-is-1085849.php |url-status=live}}</ref> (only the military T-43A had a sextant port for star navigation, which the civilian models lacked.){{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=|ps=}} With modern avionics, the windows became redundant, and many pilots placed newspapers or other objects in them to block out sun glare. They were eliminated from the 737 cockpit design in 2004, although they are still installed on customer request.{{sfn|Brady|2014|pages=144–145}} The eyebrow windows were sometimes removed and plugged, usually during maintenance overhauls, and can be distinguished by the metal plug which differs from the smooth metal in later aircraft that were not originally fitted with the windows.{{sfn|Brady|2014|pages=144–145}}

The 737 was designed to sit relatively low to the ground to accommodate the design of smaller airports in the late 1960s which often lacked ] or ]. The low fuselage allowed passengers to easily board from a ] or ] (which are still available as an option on the 737 MAX) and for luggage to be hand-lifted into the cargo holds. However, the design has proved to be an issue as the 737 has been modernized with larger and more fuel efficient engines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vartabedian |first=Ralph |date=March 15, 2019 |title=How a 50-year-old design came back to haunt Boeing with its troubled 737 Max jet |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-fi-boeing-max-design-20190315-story.html |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>

The 737's main landing gear, under the wings at mid-cabin, rotates into wheel wells in the aircraft's belly. The legs are covered by partial doors, and "brush-like" seals aerodynamically smooth (or "fair") the wheels in the wells. The sides of the tires are exposed to the air in flight. "Hub caps" complete the aerodynamic profile of the wheels. It is forbidden to operate without the caps, because they are linked to the ground speed sensor that interfaces with the anti-skid brake system. The dark circles of the tires are clearly visible when a 737 takes off, or is at low altitude.<ref>Dekkers, Daniel, et al. (Project 2A2H). {{dead link|date=November 2014}} ''Hogeschool van Amsterdam. Aviation Studies.'' October 2008. Retrieved: August 20, 2011.</ref>

From July 2008, the steel landing gear ]s on new NGs were replaced by ] carbon brakes, achieving weight savings to {{Convert|550|–|700|lb}} depending on whether standard or high-capacity brakes were equipped.<ref name=cfb>Volkmann, Kelsey. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008094401/http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2008/08/04/daily27.html |date=October 8, 2008}} ''St. Louis Business Journal'' via ''bizjournals.com.'' Retrieved: April 22, 2010.</ref> On a 737-800 this gives a 0.5% improvement in fuel efficiency.<ref>Wilhelm, Steve. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026075536/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/08/11/story13.html |date=October 26, 2012}} ''Puget Sound Business Journal'', August 8, 2008. Retrieved: January 21, 2011.</ref>

737s are not equipped with ]. The original design was too small to require this, and adding a fuel dump system to the later, larger variants would have incurred a large weight penalty. Boeing instead demonstrated an "equivalent level of safety". Depending on the nature of the emergency, 737s either circle to burn off fuel or land overweight. If the latter is the case, the aircraft is inspected by maintenance personnel for damage and then returned to service if none is found.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Commercial Aircraft – In-Flight Fuel Jettison Capability |url=http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/faqs/fueldump.pdf |publisher=Boeing |access-date=November 23, 2014 |archive-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150310192604/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/faqs/fueldump.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Cheung, Humphrey. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606152043/http://www.tgdaily.com/trendwatch-features/39149-troubled-american-airlines-jet-lands-safely-at-lax |date=June 6, 2012}} ''tgdaily.com,'' September 2, 2008. Retrieved: August 20, 2011.</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="160">
File:Boeing 737-200 planform view.jpg|The original 737 with ] engines that span the entire ]
File:Transaero b737-400 planform ei-cxk arp.jpg|The ] with larger ] engines mounted mostly ahead of the wing
File:United Boeing 737-800 N12218 planform.jpg|alt=The 737NG with improved CFM56-7 engines and redesigned larger wing|The ] with improved CFM56-7 engines and redesigned larger wing&nbsp;
File:Southwest Boeing 737-8 MAX N8831L planform.jpg|The ] with larger ] engines with chevrons, mounted even further ahead of the wing
</gallery>

=== Engines ===
Engines on the 737 Classic series (-300, -400, -500) and Next-Generation series (-600, -700, -800, -900) do not have circular inlets like most aircraft but rather a planform on the lower side, which has been dictated largely by the need to accommodate ever larger engine diameters. The 737 Classic series featured ] high bypass ] engines, which were 25% more efficient and also reduced noise significantly over ] low bypass engines used on the 737 Original series (-100 and -200), but also posed an engineering challenge given the low ground clearance of the Boeing 737 family. Boeing and engine supplier ] (CFMI) solved the problem by placing the engine ahead of (rather than below) the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides (rather than the bottom) of the engine pod, giving the 737 Classic and later generations a distinctive non-circular air intake.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=128|ps=}}

The improved, higher pressure ratio ] turbofan engine on the 737 Next Generation is 7% more fuel-efficient than the previous CFM56-3 on the 737 Classic with the same bypass ratio. The newest 737 variants, the 737 MAX series, feature ] engines from CFMI with a {{Convert|1.76|m|in|order=flip}} fan diameter. These engines were expected to be 10-12% more efficient than the CFM56-7B engines on the 737 Next Generation series.<ref>{{cite news |last= Ostrower |first= Jon |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/30/361428/boeing-designates-737-max-family.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110925210731/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/08/30/361428/boeing-designates-737-max-family.html |archive-date= September 25, 2011 |title= Boeing designates 737 MAX family |date= August 30, 2011 |work=Air Transport Intelligence |access-date =September 5, 2011}}</ref>
{{multiple image {{multiple image
| align = right | align = center
| width = | width =
| image1 = Boeing 737-2V6 Advanced Cockpit Dubai Air Show Ryabtsev.jpg | image1 = Boeing 737-200 (Brasilia Air Base) JT8D.jpg
| width1 = 180 | width1 = 180
| caption1 = Early 737-200 cockpit | caption1 = 737 Original's JT8D engine with original cowling design
| image2 = S7 Airlines Boeing 737-8ZS flight deck Beltyukov.jpg | image2 = Boeing 737-524.jpg
| width2 = 180 | width2 = 170
| caption2 = 737 Classic's CFM56-3 engine with an ovoid "hamster pouch" inlet with a flattened bottom
| caption2 = Modern 737-800 cockpit
| image3 = CFM-56 Lauda 737.jpg
| width3 = 177
| caption3 = 737NG CFM56-7 engine with a more rounded inlet versus the -500 due to a redesigned fan in the engine
| image4 = Boeing 737-9 MAX CFM LEAP-1B PAS.jpg
| width4 = 184
| caption4 = 737 MAX CFM LEAP-1B engine with 787-derived engine nacelle featuring chevrons
}} }}


=== Flight systems ===
The ] are intrinsically safe. In the event of total hydraulic system failure or double engine failure, they will automatically and seamlessly revert to control via ]. In this mode, the servo tabs aerodynamically control the elevators and ailerons; these servo tabs are in turn controlled by cables running to the control yoke. The pilot's muscle forces alone control the tabs. For the 737 Next Generation, a six-screen LCD ] with modern avionics was implemented while retaining crew commonality with previous generation 737.<ref name="sixscreen">{{cite web | url=http://theflyingengineer.com/flightdeck/boeings-max-southwests-737/ | title=Boeing’s MAX, Southwest’s 737 | publisher=theflyingengineer | accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref>
The 737 uses a ] flight control system,<ref name="Leeham1">{{Cite web|url=https://leehamnews.com/2019/08/09/bjorns-corner-fly-by-steel-or-electrical-wire-part-3/|title=Bjorn's Corner: Fly by steel or electrical wire, Part 3|last=leehamcoeu|date=August 9, 2019|website=Leeham News and Analysis|language=en-US|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727020948/https://leehamnews.com/2019/08/09/bjorns-corner-fly-by-steel-or-electrical-wire-part-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> similar to the Boeing 707 and typical of the period in which the 737 was originally designed. Pilot commands are transmitted to hydraulic boosters attached to the control surfaces via steel cables that run through the fuselage and wings, rather than by the electrical ] systems found in more recent designs like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 777.<ref name="Leeham1" />


The ] have mechanical backups. In the event of total hydraulic system failure or double engine failure, they will automatically revert to control via ]. In this mode, termed ''manual reversion'', the servo tabs aerodynamically control the elevators and ailerons; these servo tabs are in turn controlled by cables running to the control yoke. The pilot's muscle forces alone control the tabs.
Most 737 cockpits are equipped with "eyebrow windows" positioned above the main glareshield. Eyebrow windows were a feature of the original 707 and 727.<ref name="eyebrow">{{cite web | url=http://www.ppgaerospace.com/getmedia/ba64914b-c114-46bb-8cc4-c2ab09d440ee/B737_TD_FINAL.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf | title=COCKPIT WINDOWS Next-Generation 737, Classic 737, 727, 707 Airplanes | publisher=PPG Aerospace Transparencies | accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> They allowed for greater visibility in turns, and offered better sky views if ]. With modern avionics, they became redundant, and many pilots actually placed newspapers or other objects in them to block out sun glare. They were eliminated from the 737 cockpit design in 2004, although they are still installed at customer request.<ref name="rmveyebrow">{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rqskCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA144&lpg=PA144&dq=Removing+eyebrow+windows+on+737&source=bl&ots=FQjsbbXyiG&sig=KCG8ooG-IcPUiuVWb27IJ_9La58&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEQQ6AEwB2oVChMI0KHcheHJxwIVwY_bCh2yqgMq#v=onepage&q=Removing%20eyebrow%20windows%20on%20737&f=false | title=The Boeing 737 Technical Guide | author=Chris Brady | pages=144–145}}</ref> These windows are sometimes removed and plugged, usually during maintenance overhauls, and can be distinguished by the metal plug which differs from the smooth metal in later aircraft that were not originally fitted with the windows.<ref name="rmveyebrow"/>


The 737 Next Generation series introduced a six-screen ] ] with modern avionics but designed to retain crew commonality with previous 737 generations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theflyingengineer.com/flightdeck/boeings-max-southwests-737/ |title=Boeing's MAX, Southwest's 737 |publisher=theflyingengineer |access-date=August 27, 2015 |date=December 13, 2011 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907035228/http://theflyingengineer.com/flightdeck/boeings-max-southwests-737/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Upgrade packages===
The 737 MAX introduced a 4 15.1 inch landscape LCD screen cockpit manufactured by ] derived from the ]. Except for the ], which are fly-by-wire controlled, and all the analog instruments, which became digital, everything else is similar to the cockpits of the previous 737 generations to maintain commonality.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}


{{multiple image
==== Winglets ====
| align = center
] 737]]
| image1 = Boeing 737-2V6 Advanced Cockpit Dubai Air Show Ryabtsev.jpg
| width1 = 180
| caption1 = Original 737-200 cockpit
| image2 = Cockpit of 737-300 LN-KKU.jpg
| width2 = 180
| caption2 = Classic 737-300 cockpit
| image3 = S7 Airlines Boeing 737-8ZS flight deck Beltyukov.jpg
| width3 = 180
| caption3 = Next Generation 737-800 cockpit
| image4 = 737 Max Cockpit.jpg
| width4 = 160
| caption4 = 737 MAX 8 cockpit
}}


=== Aerodynamics ===
The 737 has four different winglet types: 737-200 Mini-winglet, 737 Classic/NG Blended Winglet, 737 Split Scimitar Winglet, and 737 Max Advanced Technology Winglet.<ref name="rmveyebrow"/> The 737-200 Mini-winglets are part of the Quiet Wing Corp modification kit that received certification in 2005.<ref name="rmveyebrow"/>
The Original -100 and -200 series were built without ], but these were later introduced to improve fuel efficiency. The 737 has evolved four winglet types: the 737-200 Mini-winglet, 737 Classic/NG Blended Winglet, 737 Split Scimitar Winglet, and 737 MAX Advanced Technology Winglet.{{sfn|Brady|2014|pages=144–145}} The 737-200 Mini-winglets are part of the Quiet Wing Corp modification kit that received certification in 2005.{{sfn|Brady|2014|pages=144–145}}


Blended ] are in production on 737 NG aircraft and are available for retrofit on 737 Classic models. These winglets stand approximately {{convert|8|ft|m}} tall and are installed at the wing tips. They help to reduce fuel burn (by reducing ] drag), engine wear, and takeoff noise. Overall fuel efficiency improvement is up to five percent through the reduction of lift-induced drag.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_03_09/pdfs/AERO_Q309_article03.pdf |title=Blended winglets improve performance |work=Aero Magazine |year=2009 |accessdate=July 27, 2011 |last=Freitag |first=William |author2=Schulze, Terry|pages=9, 12}}</ref><ref name="blended_winglets">{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_17/winglet_story.html|title=Blended Winglets|last1=Faye|first1=Robert|year=2002 |last2=Laprete |first2=Robert |last3=Winter |first3=Michael |work=Aero Magazine |accessdate=July 27, 2011}}</ref> Blended winglets were standard on the 737 NG since 2000 and are available for retrofit on 737 Classic models. These winglets stand approximately {{Convert|8|ft|m}} tall and are installed at the wing tips. They improve fuel efficiency by up to 5% through lift-induced drag reduction achieved by moderating ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_03_09/pdfs/AERO_Q309_article03.pdf |title=Blended winglets improve performance |work=Aero Magazine |year=2009 |access-date=July 27, 2011 |last=Freitag |first=William |author2=Schulze, Terry |pages=9, 12 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629121337/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_03_09/pdfs/AERO_Q309_article03.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="blended_winglets">{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_17/winglet_story.html |title=Blended Winglets |last1=Faye |first1=Robert |year=2002 |last2=Laprete |first2=Robert |last3=Winter |first3=Michael |work=Aero Magazine |access-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629044709/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_17/winglet_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


Split Scimitar winglets became available in 2014 for the 737-800, 737-900ER, BBJ2 and BBJ3, and in 2015 for the 737-700, 737-900 and BBJ1.<ref>{{cite web |title = Split Scimitar Schedules |url = http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com/products_splitscimitar_schedules.php |website = aviationpartnersboeing.com |access-date = May 29, 2015 |archive-date = May 20, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150520160554/http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com/products_splitscimitar_schedules.php |url-status = live}}</ref> Split Scimitar winglets were developed by ], the same Seattle-based corporation that developed the blended winglets; the Split Scimitar winglets produce up to a 5.5% fuel savings per aircraft compared to 3.3% savings for the blended winglets. Southwest Airlines flew their first flight of a 737-800 with Split Scimitar winglets on April 14, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title = Southwest flies first 737 with new 'split scimitar' winglets |website = ] |url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/04/10/southwest-flies-first-737-with-new-split-scimitar-winglets/7552849/ |access-date = May 29, 2015 |archive-date = March 15, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150315171924/http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/04/10/southwest-flies-first-737-with-new-split-scimitar-winglets/7552849/ |url-status = live}}</ref> The next generation 737, 737 MAX, will feature an Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet that is produced by Boeing. The Boeing AT Winglet resembles a cross between the Blended Winglet and the Split Scimitar Winglet.<ref name="modwinglet">{{cite web |url=https://mme.fiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/F13-OR-T-10.pdf |title=Design, Analysis and Multi-Objective Constrained Optimization of Multi-Winglets |publisher=Florida International University |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904131054/https://mme.fiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/F13-OR-T-10.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
]
Split Scimitar winglets became available in 2014 for the 737-800, 737-900ER, BBJ2 and BBJ3, and in 2015 for the 737-700, 737-900 and BBJ1.<ref>{{cite web|title = Split Scimitar Schedules |url = http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com/products_splitscimitar_schedules.php|website = aviationpartnersboeing.com |accessdate = 2015-05-29}}</ref> Split Scimitar winglets were developed by ] (API), the same Seattle based corporation that developed the blended winglets; the Split Scimitar winglets produce up to a 5.5% fuel savings per aircraft compared to 3.3% savings for the blended winglets. Southwest Airlines flew their first flight of a 737-800 with Split Scimitar winglets on April 14, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title = Southwest flies first 737 with new 'split scimitar' winglets |url = http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/04/10/southwest-flies-first-737-with-new-split-scimitar-winglets/7552849/ |accessdate = 2015-05-29}}</ref> The next generation 737, 737 Max, will feature an Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet that is produced by Boeing. The Boeing AT Winglet resembles a cross between the Blended Winglet and the Split Scimitar Winglet.<ref name="modwinglet">{{cite web | url=https://mme.fiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/F13-OR-T-10.pdf | title=Design, Analysis and Multi-Objective Constrained Optimization of Multi-Winglets | publisher=Florida International University | accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref>


An optional ] was developed for use on short runways.
====Carbon brakes====
{{As of|2008|07}} the 737 features carbon ]s manufactured by ]. These new brakes, now certified by the ], weigh {{convert|550|-|700|lb|kg|abbr=on}} less than the steel brakes normally fitted to the Next-Gen 737s (weight savings depend on whether standard or high-capacity brakes are fitted).<ref name=cfb>Volkmann, Kelsey. ''St. Louis Business Journal'' via ''bizjournals.com.'' Retrieved: April 22, 2010.</ref> A weight reduction of 700 pounds on a Boeing 737-800 results in 0.5% reduction in fuel burn.<ref>Wilhelm, Steve. ''Puget Sound Business Journal'', August 8, 2008. Retrieved: January 21, 2011.</ref>


{{multiple image
====Short-field design package====
|align = center
A short-field design package is available for the 737-600, -700, and -800, allowing operators to fly increased payload to and from airports with runways under {{convert|5000|ft|m}}. The package consists of sealed ] (improved lift), a two-position tail skid (enabling greater protection against tail strikes that may be caused by the lower landing speeds), and increased flight spoiler deflection on the ground. These improvements are standard on the 737-900ER.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Delivers First 737 with Enhanced Short Runway Package to GOL|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-07-31-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-with-Enhanced-Short-Runway-Package-to-GOL|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-21}}|date=July 31, 2006}}</ref>
|width =
|image1 = 2011-05-19-flughafen-erfurt-by-RalfR-43 737 Air Berlin.jpg
|width1 = 166
|caption1 = Blended Winglet, standard on NGs, a retrofit option for Classics
|image2 = B737-800 Split Winglet WP 20141110 001.jpg
|width2 = 186
|caption2 = Split Scimitar Winglet standard on later NGs
|image3 = Boeing 737 MAX (23326959580) winglet.jpg
|width3 = 169
|caption3 = Advanced Technology Winglet standard on MAX
}}


===Interior=== === Interior ===
The 737 interior arrangement has changed in successive generations. The original 737 interior was restyled for the 737 Classic models using 757 designs, while 777 architecture was used for the debut of the Next Generation 737. Designed using Boeing's new cabin concepts, the latest Sky Interior features sculpted sidewalls and redesigned window housings, along with increased headroom and LED ].<ref name=margins/><ref name=skyinterior> ''businessinsider.com.'' Retrieved: November 1, 2011.</ref> Larger pivot-bins similar to those on the 777 and 787 have more luggage space than prior designs.<ref name=skyinterior/> The Sky Interior is also designed to improve cabin noise levels by 2–4 ].<ref name=margins/> The first 737 equipped with the Boeing Sky Interior was delivered to ] in late 2010.<ref name=margins/> Continental Airlines,<ref>{{cite web|title=Continental first North American carrier to offer Boeing’s new Sky Interior|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/continental-first-north-american-carrier-to-offer-boeings-new-sky-351392/|publisher=Flightglobal|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=December 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Continental Airlines Is First North American Carrier to Fly With Boeing's New Sky Interior |url=http://ir.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=83680&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511190 |website=ir.unitedcontinentalholdings.com |publisher=United Airlines |accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}} |date=December 29, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-mas-takes-delivery-of-first-737-800-with-sky-interior-349155/ |title=MAS takes delivery of first 737-800 with Sky Interior |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2010-11-01 |accessdate=2013-04-29}}</ref> and ] have also received Sky Interior-equipped 737s.<ref> ''podcastexperten,'' March 7, 2011. Retrieved: May 12, 2011.</ref> The first generation Original series 737 cabin was replaced for the second generation Classic series with a design based on the ] cabin. The Classic cabin was then redesigned once more for the third, Next Generation, 737 with a design based on the ] cabin. Boeing later offered the redesigned Sky Interior on the NG. The principal features of the Sky Interior include sculpted sidewalls, redesigned window housings, increased headroom and LED ],<ref name=margins>Kingsley-Jones, Max. ''flightglobal.com'', October 27, 2009. Retrieved: June 23, 2010.</ref><ref name=skyinterior> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116060047/http://www.businessinsider.com/check-out-boeings-swanky-new-high-tech-interior-2011-1 |date=January 16, 2011}} ''businessinsider.com.'' Retrieved: November 1, 2011.</ref> larger pivot-bins based on the 777 and 787 designs and generally more luggage space,<ref name=skyinterior /> and claims to have improved cabin noise levels by 2–4 ].<ref name=margins /> The first 737 equipped Boeing Sky Interior was delivered to ] in late 2010.<ref name=margins /> Continental Airlines,<ref>{{cite web|title=Continental first North American carrier to offer Boeing's new Sky Interior|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/continental-first-north-american-carrier-to-offer-boeings-new-sky-351392/|publisher=Flightglobal|access-date=November 22, 2014|date=December 29, 2010|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129045515/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/continental-first-north-american-carrier-to-offer-boeings-new-sky-351392/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Continental Airlines Is First North American Carrier to Fly With Boeing's New Sky Interior |url=http://ir.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=83680&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511190 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141122182710/http://ir.unitedcontinentalholdings.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=83680&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511190 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2014 |website=ir.unitedcontinentalholdings.com |publisher=United Airlines |access-date=November 22, 2014 |date=December 29, 2010}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/our-aircraft/737-800|title=Boeing 737-800 Aircraft Information |last=|first=|work=Alaska Airlines|access-date=June 21, 2018|language=en|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527120655/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/our-aircraft/737-800|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-mas-takes-delivery-of-first-737-800-with-sky-interior-349155/ |title=MAS takes delivery of first 737-800 with Sky Interior |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=April 29, 2013 |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515123103/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-mas-takes-delivery-of-first-737-800-with-sky-interior-349155/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and ] have also received Sky Interior-equipped 737s.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901072351/http://www.podcastexperten.de/news/07032011-wolkenlos-seattle-produktion-den-usa-f%C3%BCr-tuifly.html |date=September 1, 2011}} ''podcastexperten,'' March 7, 2011. Retrieved: May 12, 2011.</ref>


{{multiple image {{multiple image
| align = center |align = center
| width = |width =
| image1 = Lufthansa 737 interior.jpg |image1 = Lufthansa 737 interior.jpg
| width1 = 167 |width1 = 167
| caption1 = 737 Classic interior in 3-3 economy class layout |caption1 = 737 Classic interior in 3–3 economy class layout
| image2 = Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 cabin.jpg |image2 = Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 cabin.jpg
| width2 = 180 |width2 = 180
| caption2 = Boeing 737NG standard interior with curved panels |caption2 = Boeing 737NG standard interior with curved panels
| image3 = Malaysia Airlines 738 Economy.jpg |image3 = Norwegian Boeing 737-800 cabin Sky Interior.JPG
| width3 = 180 |width3 = 180
| caption3 = Boeing 737NG Sky Interior with pivot bins and LED lighting |caption3 = Boeing 737NG Sky Interior with pivot bins and LED lighting
}} }}


== Other variants ==
==Variants==
The 737 models can be divided into three generations, including nine major variants. The "Original" models consist of the 737-100, 737-200/-200 Advanced. The "Classic" models consist of the 737-300, 737-400, and 737-500. The "Next Generation" variants consist of the 737-600, 737-700/-700ER, 737-800, and 737-900/-900ER. Of these nine variants, many feature additional versions such as the T-43, which was a modified Boeing 737-200 used by the United States Air Force (USAF).


=== 737 AEW&C ===
The fourth generation derivative - the 737 MAX - is currently under development and will encompass the 737-MAX-7, 737-MAX-8, and 737-MAX-9 which will replace the -700, -800 and -900/900ER versions of the NG family, respectively.
] is an ] version of the 737-700.]]
{{main|Boeing 737 AEW&C}}


The ] is a 737-700IGW roughly similar to the 737-700ER. This is an ] (AEW&C) version of the 737NG. ] is the first customer (as Project Wedgetail), followed by ] and South Korea.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
===737 Original series===
] 737-100]]


====737-100==== === T-43/CT-43A ===
{{main|Boeing T-43}}] was a 737-200 used by the ] to train navigators.|left]]The ] was a 737-200 modified for use by the ] for training navigators, now known as USAF ]s. Informally referred to as the ''Gator'' (an abbreviation of "navigator") and "Flying Classroom", nineteen of these aircraft were delivered to the ] at ], California during 1973 and 1974. Two additional aircraft were delivered to the ] at ] (later ]) and ], Colorado, in direct support of cadet air navigation training at the nearby ].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
The initial model was the 737-100. It was launched in February 1965. The -100 was rolled out on January 17, 1967, had its first flight on April 9, 1967 and entered service with ] in February 1968. The aircraft is the smallest variant of the 737. A total of 30 737-100s were ordered and delivered; the final commercial delivery took place on October 31, 1969 to ]. No 737-100s remain in commercial service. The original Boeing prototype, last operated by ] and retired more than 30 years after its maiden flight, is on exhibit in the ] in Seattle.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=8|ps=}}


Two T-43s were later converted to CT-43As, similar to the CT-40A Clipper below, in the early 1990s and transferred to ] and ], respectively, as executive transports. A third aircraft was also transferred to ] for use as a radar test bed aircraft and was redesignated as an NT-43A. The T-43 was retired by the ] in 2010 after 37 years of service.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Air Force bids farewell to T-43|url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/09/air-force-t43-farewell-091710/|publisher=Army Times Publishing Company|author=Michelle Tan|access-date=January 10, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120702221111/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/09/air-force-t43-farewell-091710/|url-status=live}}</ref>
====737-200====
] Boeing 737-200C]]


=== C-40 Clipper ===
The 737-200 is a 737-100 with an extended fuselage, launched by an order from ] in 1965. The -200 was rolled out on June 29, 1967, and entered service at United in April 1968. The 737-200 Advanced is an improved version of the -200, introduced into service by ] on May 20, 1971.{{sfn|Bowers|1989|p=496|ps=}} The -200 Advanced has improved aerodynamics, automatic wheel brakes, more powerful engines, more fuel capacity, and longer range than the -100.{{sfn|Sharpe|Shaw|2001|p=41|ps=}} Boeing also provided the 737-200C (Cargo), which allowed for conversion between passenger and cargo use and the 737-200QC (Quick Change), which facilitated a rapid conversion between roles. The 1,095th and last delivery of a -200 series aircraft was in August 1988 to ].<ref name=737_O_D_summ>{{cite web|title=Boeing Commercial Airplanes – Orders and Deliveries – 737 Model Summary |url=http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=737&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=737&ViewReportF=View+Report |website=boeing.com| publisher=Boeing |date=September 30, 2016 |accessdate=October 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name="About the 737 Family"> ''The Boeing Company''. Retrieved: December 20, 2007.</ref> Many 737-200s have been phased out or replaced by newer 737 versions. In July 2015, there were a combined 99 Boeing 737-200s in service, mostly with "second and third tier" airlines, and those of developing nations.<ref name=census2015>{{cite journal|title=World Airliner Census 2015|journal=Flightglobal Insight|date=2015|page=11}}</ref>
] is a military version of the 737-700C.]]
{{main|Boeing C-40 Clipper}}


The ] is a military version of the 737-700C NG. It is used by both the ] and the ], and has been ordered by the ].<ref name="fg181205">{{Cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-marine-corps-looks-to-buy-two-c-40-executive-tran-454181/ |title = US Marine Corps looks to buy two C-40 executive transports |first = Garrett |last = Reim |date = December 5, 2018 |website = ] |via = Flightglobal.com |access-date = May 29, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190425091848/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-marine-corps-looks-to-buy-two-c-40-executive-tran-454181/ |archive-date = April 25, 2019 |url-status = live}}</ref> Technically, only the Navy C-40A variant is named "Clipper", whereas the USAF C-40B/C variants are officially unnamed.
] 737-200 Advanced]]
With a ] modification the 737-200 can use unimproved or unpaved landing strips, such as gravel runways, that other similarly-sized jet aircraft cannot. Gravel-kitted 737-200 Combis are currently used by ], ], ], ] and ] in northern Canada. For many years, ] made use of gravel-kitted 737-200s to serve Alaska's many unimproved runways across the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Airplane That Never Sleeps|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2002-07-15-The-Airplane-That-Never-Sleeps|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-19}}|date=July 15, 2002}}</ref>


=== P-8 Poseidon ===
Nineteen 737-200s were used to train aircraft navigators for the ], designated ]. Some were modified into CT-43s, which are used to transport passengers, and one was modified as the NT-43A Radar Test Bed. The first was delivered on July 31, 1973 and the last on July 19, 1974. The ] ordered three modified 737-200s, designated ''Boeing 737-2x9 Surveiller''. They were used as Maritime reconnaissance (MPA)/transport aircraft, fitted with SLAMMAR (Side-looking Multi-mission Airborne Radar). The aircraft were delivered between May 1982 and October 1983.{{sfn|Bowers|1989|pp=498–499|ps=}}
{{main|Boeing P-8 Poseidon}}
] is a 737-800 variant for ], ], and ].]]


The ] developed for the ] by ], based on the Next Generation 737-800ERX. The P-8 can be operated in the ] (ASW), ] (ASUW), and ] roles. It is armed with ]es, ] and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor ]s, as well as operate in conjunction with other assets such as the ] maritime surveillance ] (UAV).
After 40 years the final 737-200 aircraft in the U.S. flying scheduled passenger service were phased out in March 2008, with the last flights of ].<ref name="swretire">{{cite web |url=http://swamedia.com/releases/Southwest-Airlines-Retires-Last-of-Founding-Aircraft-Employees-Help-Celebrate-the-Boeing-737-200-s-Final-Flight?mode=print |title=Southwest Airlines Retires Last of Founding Aircraft; Employees Help Celebrate the Boeing 737-200's Final Flight |publisher=swamedia.com |accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> The variant still sees regular service through North American charter operators such as ].<ref name=census2014>{{cite journal|title=World Airliner Census 2014|journal=Flightglobal Insight|date=2014|page=12}}</ref>


=== Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) ===
===737 Classic series===
{{Main article|Boeing 737 Classic}} {{main|Boeing Business Jet}}
]


In the late 1980s, Boeing marketed the 77-33 jet, a business jet version of the 737-300.<ref>Endres 2001.</ref> The name was short-lived. After the introduction of the Next Generation series, Boeing introduced the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) series. The BBJ1 was similar in dimensions to the 737-700 but had additional features, including stronger wings and landing gear from the 737-800, and had increased range over the other 737 models through the use of extra fuel tanks. The first BBJ rolled out on August 11, 1998, and flew for the first time on September 4.{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
The ''Boeing 737 Classic'' is the name given to the -300/-400/-500 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -600/700/800/900 series. The Classic series was originally introduced as the 'new generation' of the 737.{{sfn|Shaw|1999|p=7|ps=}} Produced from 1984 to 2000, 1,988 aircraft were delivered.{{sfn|Endres|2001|p=129|ps=}}


On October 11, 1999, Boeing launched the BBJ2. Based on the 737-800, it is {{Convert|5.84|m|ftin|sp=us|order=flip}} longer than the BBJ1, with 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space, but has slightly reduced range. It is also fitted with auxiliary belly fuel tanks and winglets. The first BBJ2 was delivered on February 28, 2001.{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
===737 Next Generation===
{{Main article|Boeing 737 Next Generation}}


Boeing's BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER. The BBJ3 has {{Convert|1120|sqft|m2}} of floor space, 35% more interior space, and 89% more luggage space than the BBJ2. It has an auxiliary fuel system, giving it a range of up to {{Convert|4725|nmi}}, and a ]. Boeing completed the first example in August 2008. This aircraft's cabin is pressurized to a simulated {{Convert|6500|ft|m|adj=on}} altitude.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Business Jets Launches New Family Member|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-10-16-Boeing-Business-Jets-Launches-New-Family-Member|publisher=Boeing|access-date=November 22, 2014|date=October 16, 2006|archive-date=November 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129065426/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-10-16-Boeing-Business-Jets-Launches-New-Family-Member|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Completes First BBJ 3|url=https://www.wingsmagazine.com/news/boeing-completes-first-bbj-3-1833|website=www.wingsmagazine.com|publisher=Wings|access-date=November 22, 2014|date=August 14, 2008|archive-date=December 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214023900/https://www.wingsmagazine.com/news/boeing-completes-first-bbj-3-1833|url-status=live}}</ref>
By the early 1990s, it became clear that the new ] was a serious threat to Boeing's market share, as Airbus won previously loyal 737 customers such as Lufthansa and United Airlines. In November 1993, Boeing's board of directors authorized the Next Generation program to replace the 737 Classic series. The -600, -700, -800, and -900 series were planned.<ref> ''The Boeing Company.'' Retrieved: January 22, 2008.</ref> After engineering trade studies and discussions with major 737 customers, Boeing proceeded to launch the 737 Next Generation series. Variants include the ].


=== Boeing Converted Freighter program ===
===737 MAX===
The Boeing Converted Freighter program (BCF), or the 737-800BCF program, was launched by Boeing in 2016. It converts old 737-800 passenger jets to dedicated freighters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-launches-737-800bcf-programme-422323/|title=Boeing launches 737-800BCF programme|date=February 24, 2016|work=Flightglobal.com|access-date=April 30, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725184044/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-launches-737-800bcf-programme-422323/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first 737-800BCF was delivered in 2018 to GECAS, which is leased to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-delivers-first-737-800bcf-to-west-atlantic-447850/|title=Boeing delivers first 737-800BCF to West Atlantic|date=April 20, 2018|work=Flightglobal.com|access-date=April 30, 2018|language=en-GB|archive-date=April 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430115208/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-delivers-first-737-800bcf-to-west-atlantic-447850/|url-status=live}}</ref> Boeing has signed an agreement with Chinese YTO Cargo Airlines to provide the airline with 737-800BCFs pending a planned program launch.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003085815/http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2015/10/boeing-to-launch-737-freighter-conversion.html |date=October 3, 2015}}. aviationanalysis.net</ref>
{{main article|Boeing 737 MAX}}


=== Experimental ===
In 2011, Boeing announced the ] program. Boeing will be offering three variants-the 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9. These aircraft will replace the 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER, respectively. The main changes are the use of ], the addition of fly-by-wire control to the spoilers, and the lengthening of the nose landing gear. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1908 |title= Boeing Introduces 737 MAX With Launch of New Aircraft Family |date= August 30, 2011 |accessdate= November 9, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/12/us-dubai-airshow-boeing-idUSTRE7AB0JF20111112 |title = AIRSHOW-Boeing 737 draft orders reach 700 |date= November 12, 2011 |accessdate= November 18, 2011 |work=Reuters |first=Tim |last=Hepher}}</ref> Southwest Airlines announced on December 13, 2011 that it would order the 737 MAX and became the launch customer.<ref name="cnn">{{cite news|title=Boeing sets record with $22 billion order |url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/17/news/companies/boeing_order/index.htm |publisher=CNN Money |date= November 17, 2011 |accessdate= February 15, 2012 |first=Logan |last=Burruss}}</ref> ], ], and others have also placed firm orders for 737 MAX aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/12/02/ryanair-finalizes-737-max-200-boeing-order/19784581/|title=Ryanair finalizes Boeing 737 MAX 200 order|publisher=''Associated Press''|date=December 2, 2014|accessdate=August 12, 2015}}</ref>
{{main|ecoDemonstrator}}
Four 737 aircraft have been used in Boeing test programs. In 2012, a new 737-800 bound for American Airlines became the first ] airframe in a program that continues annually into the 2020s. In conjunction with many industry partners, the program aims to reduce the ]. In 2012 it tested the winglets which would eventually be used in the 737 MAX series.<ref name="Key2018">{{cite web |last1=Broadbent |first1=Mark |title=Commercial Boeing ecoDemonstrator |url=https://www.key.aero/article/triple-seven-testbed |website=Key.Aero |publisher=Key Publishing Ltd. |access-date=October 19, 2022 |date=June 27, 2019}}</ref> Testing also included a variable area exhaust nozzle, regenerative hydrogen ]s for electrical power, and ] (SAF).


In 2018, one of the 737 MAX 7 prototypes participated in Boeing's ] 3 (QTD3) program, in which a ] engine inlet designed to reduce engine noise was tested over an ] at ], ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Womg |first1=Jackie W. |last2=Nesbitt |first2=Eric H. |last3=Jones |first3=Michael G. |last4=Nark |first4=Douglas M. |title=Flight Test Methodology for NASA Advanced Inlet Liner on 737MAX-7 Test Bed (Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3) |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20200002460/downloads/20200002460.pdf?attachment=true |website=2019 AIAA Aeroacoustics Conference |publisher=NASA |access-date=November 21, 2022 |date=May 20, 2019}}</ref>
===Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)===
] airline ] ]]
{{Main article|Boeing Business Jet}}


A 737 MAX 9 was used as the 2021 ecoDemonstrator. A new airframe in a special Alaska Airlines livery flew an extensive test program, a major part of which was the use of SAF in blends of up to 50% including a flight from Seattle to ], ], to attend the ].<ref name="RAES 2021">{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Tim |last2=Read |first2=Bill |title=Boeing charts a greener flight path |url=https://www.aerosociety.com/news/boeing-charts-a-greener-flight-path/ |website=RAeS |publisher=Royal Aeronautical Society |access-date=November 21, 2022 |date=October 26, 2021}}</ref> Other test areas included halon-free fire extinguisher (ground testing only), a low-profile ], and text-based ] communications.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Norris |first1=Guy |title=Boeing ecoDemonstrator Assumes Growing Role |url=https://aviationweek.com/special-topics/sustainability/boeing-ecodemonstrator-assumes-growing-role |website=Aviation Week |publisher=Informa Markets |access-date=January 11, 2024 |date=October 19, 2021}}</ref> At the end of the testing the aircraft was returned to standard configuration, and was delivered to Alaska Airlines in 2022.
The Boeing Business Jet is a customized version of the 737. Plans for a business jet version of the 737 are not new. In the late 1980s, Boeing marketed the 77-33 jet, a business jet version of the 737-300.<ref>Endres 2001.</ref> The name was short-lived. After the introduction of the next generation series, Boeing introduced the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) series. The BBJ1 was similar in dimensions to the 737-700 but had additional features, including stronger wings and landing gear from the 737-800, and had increased range (through the use of extra fuel tanks) over the other 737 models. The first BBJ rolled out on August 11, 1998 and flew for the first time on September 4.<ref name="BBJ"> ''airliners.net''. Retrieved: February 3, 2008.</ref>


During October 2023 a 737 MAX 10 destined for United Airlines flew a series of test flights to compare the emissions of SAF, including the contrails, with those of conventional fuel. The emissions were measured by NASA’s ] Airborne Science Lab which flew close behind the 737, which wore a special livery as part of a series of special tests named ].<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA, Partners Explore Sustainable Fuel's Effects on Aircraft Contrails |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/nasa-partners-explore-sustainable-fuels-effects-on-aircraft-contrails/ |website=NASA |access-date=November 17, 2023 |date=November 14, 2023}}</ref>
On October 11, 1999 Boeing launched the BBJ2. Based on the 737-800, it is {{convert|5.84|m|ftin|sp=us}} longer than the BBJ, with 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space, but has slightly reduced range. It is also fitted with auxiliary belly fuel tanks and winglets. The first BBJ2 was delivered on 28 February 2001.<ref name="BBJ"/>


== Competition ==
Boeing's BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER. The BBJ3 has {{convert|1120|sqft|m2}} of floor space, 35% more interior space, and 89% more luggage space than the BBJ2. It has an auxiliary fuel system, giving it a range of up to {{convert|4725|nmi|km}}, and a ]. Boeing completed the first example in August 2008. This aircraft's cabin is pressurized to a simulated {{convert|6500|ft|m|sing=on}} altitude.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Business Jets Launches New Family Member|url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-10-16-Boeing-Business-Jets-Launches-New-Family-Member|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=October 16, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing Completes First BBJ 3|url=https://www.wingsmagazine.com/news/boeing-completes-first-bbj-3-1833|website=www.wingsmagazine.com|publisher=Wings|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=August 14, 2008}}</ref>
{{main|Competition between Airbus and Boeing#Single_aisles:_A320_vs_737|label 1= Competition between Airbus A320 and Boeing 737}}
] Airbus A320 (front) and Boeing 737-900 on final approach]]
]


The Boeing 737 Classic, Next Generation and MAX series have faced significant competition from the ] first introduced in 1988. The relatively recent ] family now also competes against the smaller capacity end of the 737 variants. The A320 was developed to compete also with the McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90 and 95 series; the 95 later becoming the ]. Since July 2017, Airbus had a 59.4% market share of the re-engined single aisle market, while Boeing had 40.6%; Boeing had doubts on over-ordered A320neos by new operators and expected to narrow the gap with replacements not already ordered.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://leehamnews.com/2016/09/22/boeing-positioned-narrow-market-share-gap/ |title= Boeing positioned to narrow market share gap |date= September 22, 2016 |work= Leeham Co. |access-date= January 10, 2020 |archive-date= July 27, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200727040708/https://leehamnews.com/2016/09/22/boeing-positioned-narrow-market-share-gap/ |url-status= live}}</ref> However, in July 2017, Airbus had still 1,350 more A320neo orders than Boeing had for the 737 MAX.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://airinsight.com/big-duopoly-race/ |title= The Big Duopoly Race |date= July 10, 2017 |publisher= Airinsight |author= Addison Schonland |access-date= January 10, 2020 |archive-date= May 12, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200512044542/https://airinsight.com/big-duopoly-race/ |url-status= live}}</ref>
===Freighter===


Boeing delivered 8,918 of the 737 family between March 1988 and December 2018,<ref name=O_D_summ /> while ] delivered 8,605 A320 family aircraft over a similar period since first delivery in early 1988.<ref name="Airbus_Orders_2">{{cite web|url=http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/company/market/orders-deliveries|title=Orders & deliveries viewer|publisher=]|access-date=January 11, 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230235718/http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/company/market/orders-deliveries/|archive-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref>
Boeing is studying plans to offer passenger to freighter conversion for the 737-800. Boeing has signed an agreement with Chinese YTO Airlines to provide the airline with 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs) pending a planned program launch.<ref>Boeing to launch 737 freighter conversion program| http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2015/10/boeing-to-launch-737-freighter-conversion.html</ref>


<!-- USE ONLY THE OFFICIAL AIRBUS & BOEING ORDERS & DELIVERIES SPREADSHEETS, NOT PRESS RELEASES --->
==Operators==
<!-- CHANGES THAT DO NOT MATCH THE OFFICIAL ORDERS & DELIVERIES WILL BE REVERTED. Please see discussion, thanks!-------->
] Boeing 737-400 landing at ]]]
<!-------------------------------------------------->
{{GraphChart|width=600|height=200|yGrid=
|type=line
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|x=1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022
|yAxisTitle=Deliveries
|y1Title=Airbus A320 family
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|y2Title=Boeing 737 series
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* {{legend|green|]<ref name="Airbus_Hist_OD">{{cite web |url=http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223185526/http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archive-date=December 23, 2010 |title = Historical Orders and Deliveries 1974–2009 |work=] S.A.S. |date=January 2010 |format=Microsoft Excel |access-date=December 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Airbus_O_D">{{Cite web |url=https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html |title=Airbus O&D |publisher=] S.A.S. |date=December 31, 2020 |access-date= January 8, 2021}}</ref>}}
* {{legend|blue|]<ref name="Boeing_Hist_Deliveries">{{cite web |url=http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?&optReportType=HistAnnDel |title= Historical Deliveries |publisher=] |date= December 2015 |access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226093221/http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?&optReportType=HistAnnDel|archive-date=February 26, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/company/about-bca/#/market |title=Boeing: About Boeing Commercial Airplanes |publisher=] |date=December 31, 2020 |access-date= January 13, 2021}}</ref>}}
<!-------------------------------------------------------------->
<!-- GRAPH OF DELIVERIES------------------------------->
<!-------------------------------------------------------------->
<noinclude>


== Operators ==
The 737 is operated by more than 500 airlines, flying to 1,200 destinations in 190 countries. With over 10,000 aircraft ordered, over 7,000 delivered, and over 4,500 still in service, at any given time there are on average 1,250 airborne worldwide. On average, somewhere in the world, a 737 took off or landed every five seconds in 2006.<ref name="flightglobal"/> Since entering service in 1968, the 737 has carried over 12 billion passengers over 74 billion miles (120 billion km; 65 billion nm), and has accumulated more than 296 million hours in the air. The 737 represents more than 25% of the worldwide fleet of large commercial jet airliners.<ref name="flightglobal"> ''flightglobal.com.'' February 7, 2006. Retrieved: January 7, 2008.</ref><ref name=737facts>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737 Facts|url=http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/facts.page|website=www.boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|accessdate={{date|2014-11-18}}}}</ref>
{{main|List of Boeing 737 operators}}


The five largest operators of the Boeing 737 are ] (815), ] (566), ] (496), ] (363), and ] (240) as of June 2024.{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
===Civilian===
{{Main article|List of Boeing 737 operators}}


=== Usage ===
As of August 2013, 140 Boeing 737-200 aircraft were in civilian service.<ref> {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


===Military=== ==== Civilian ====
].]]
]


In 2006, over 4,500 Boeing 737s were operated by more than 500 airlines, flying to 1,200 destinations in 190 countries and on average 1,250 aircraft were airborne, with two either departing or landing every five seconds.<ref name=flight7feb2006>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/the-737-story-little-wonder/65316.article |title= The 737 Story: Little Wonder |work= flightglobal |date= February 7, 2006 |access-date= January 9, 2020 |archive-date= July 27, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200727014549/https://www.flightglobal.com/the-737-story-little-wonder/65316.article |url-status= live}}</ref> The 737 was the most commonly flown aircraft in 2008,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/01/04/boeing-airliner-deliveries-rise-11/ |title= Boeing airliner deliveries rise 11% |work= Chicago Tribune |date= January 4, 2008 |quote= Boeing's 737, the world's most widely flown aircraft|url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120315224042/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-01-04/business/0801030652_1_airbus-sas-boeing-planemaker |archive-date= March 15, 2012}}</ref> 2009,<ref>{{cite news |author= O'Sullivan, Matt |url= http://www.smh.com.au/business/boeing-shelves-plans-for-737-replacement-20090101-78f5.html |title= Boeing shelves plans for 737 replacement |work= The Sydney Morning Herald |date= January 2, 2009 |quote= the 737, the world's most widely flown aircraft|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121106054059/http://www.smh.com.au/business/boeing-shelves-plans-for-737-replacement-20090101-78f5.html |archive-date= November 6, 2012}}</ref> and 2010.<ref>{{cite news |author= Layne, Rachel |url= http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-26/bombardier-s-win-may-prod-airbus-boeing-to-upgrade-engines.html |title= Bombardier's Win May Prod Airbus, Boeing to Upgrade Engines |work= BusinessWeek |date= February 26, 2010 |quote= the 737, the world's most widely flown plane|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100301154738/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-26/bombardier-s-win-may-prod-airbus-boeing-to-upgrade-engines.html |archive-date= March 1, 2010}}</ref>
Many countries operate the 737 passenger, BBJ, and cargo variants in government or military applications.<ref name="militaryuse">{{cite web | url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Boeing-looks-to-sell-more-737-based-military-jets-1417659.php | title=Boeing looks to sell more 737-based military jets | publisher=SeattlePi | date=9 June 2011 | accessdate=27 August 2015}}</ref> Users with 737s include:

{{columns-list|2|
In 2013, over 5,580 Boeing 737s were operated by more than 342 airlines in 111 countries, which represented more than 25% of the worldwide fleet of large jet airliners. The 737 had carried over 16.8 billion passengers (twice of 7.1 billion world population in that time) over 119 billion miles (192 billion km) with more than 184 million flights or 264 million hours in the air.<ref name=737facts2013>{{cite web |title=Boeing 737 Facts |url=https://www.boeing.com/farnborough2014/pdf/BCA/fct%20-737%20Family%20Facts.pdf |publisher=Boeing |date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=September 21, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722173233/http://www.boeing.com/farnborough2014/pdf/BCA/fct%20-737%20Family%20Facts.pdf |archive-date=July 22, 2014}}</ref>
* {{ARG}} (737-500 from 2014)

In 2016, there were <!--5567+945-->6,512 Boeing 737 airliners in service (5,567 ]s plus 945 737-200s and ]s), more than the 6,510 Airbus A320 family.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis-flightglobal-airliner-census-reveals-fleet-developments/121373.article |title= FlightGlobal airliner census reveals fleet developments |author= Dan Thisdell |date= August 8, 2016 |access-date= March 16, 2020 |archive-date= July 26, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200726202339/https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis-flightglobal-airliner-census-reveals-fleet-developments/121373.article |url-status= live}}</ref> while in 2017, there were <!--5968+890--> 6,858 737s in service (5,968 737NGs plus 890 737-200s and classics), fewer than the 6,965 A320 family.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/18365 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190827101030/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/18365 |url-status= dead |archive-date= August 27, 2019 |title= 787 stars in annual airliner census |author= Dan Thisdell |date= August 14, 2017}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=March 2020}}<!--inaccessible now, previous ref only states 6,838 A320ceos, 127 less (maybe A320neos)-->

By 2018, over 7,500 Boeing 737s were in service and on average 2,800 aircraft were airborne, with two either departing or landing every three seconds, carrying around three million passengers daily. At the time, the global 737 fleet had carried over 22 billion passengers since its introduction.<ref name=bizjourMar2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/03/13/boeing-renton-737-10000-southwest-guinness-record.html |title= Boeing Renton pushes 10,000th 737 jet out of factory and sets Guinness World Record (Photos) |work= bizjournals |date= March 13, 2018 |access-date= January 12, 2023}}</ref>

<!-- This portion is to be updated with the latest data available about Boeing 737s in service -->
{{as of|2021|6}}, there were 9,315 Boeing 737s in service,<ref name=reuters15jul2021>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-orders-checks-9300-boeing-737-planes-possible-switch-failures-2021-07-15/ |title= FAA orders checks on 9,300 Boeing 737 planes for possible switch failures |work= Reuters |date= July 15, 2021 |access-date= August 8, 2021}}</ref> slightly fewer than the 9,353 of the A320 family,<ref name="Airbus_O&D">{{Cite web |url=https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html |title=Airbus Orders and Deliveries |date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=August 8, 2021 |url-status=live |work=] |format=XLS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218195733/http://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html |archive-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref> as more 737s were already out of service.

==== Military ====
] Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller (AI-7302) at ]]]

Many countries operate the 737 passenger, BBJ, and cargo variants in government or military applications.<ref name="militaryuse">{{cite web |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Boeing-looks-to-sell-more-737-based-military-jets-1417659.php |title=Boeing looks to sell more 737-based military jets |publisher=SeattlePi |date=June 9, 2011 |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=August 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824082917/http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Boeing-looks-to-sell-more-737-based-military-jets-1417659.php |url-status=live}}</ref> Users with 737s include:

{{div col|colwidth=11em}}
* {{ARG}}
* {{AUS}} * {{AUS}}
* {{BRA}} (retired in 2011) * {{BRA}}
* {{CHI}} * {{CHI}}
* {{CHN}}
* {{COL}} * {{COL}}
* {{DRC}}
* {{IND}} * {{IND}}
* {{IDN}} * {{IDN}}
Line 257: Line 416:
* {{MEX}} * {{MEX}}
* {{MNG}} * {{MNG}}
* {{NED}}
* {{NGR}} * {{NGR}}
* {{PAK}}
* {{PAK}} (went to ] in 1999)
* {{PER}} * {{PER}}
* {{POL}}
* {{RSA}} * {{RSA}}
* {{KSA}} * {{KSA}}
* {{ROK}} * {{ROK}}
* {{TWN-ROC}} * {{TWN}}
* {{THA}} * {{THA}}
* {{TUR}} * {{TUR}}
* {{UKR}} * {{GBR}}
* {{USA}} (as ], CT-43A) * {{USA}}
{{div col end}}
}}


=== Competition === === Orders and deliveries ===
The Boeing 737 Classics and the Boeing 737 Next Generation have faced main challenges from the ] introduced in 1988, which was developed to compete also with the McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90 series and the ] (formerly named McDonnell Douglas MD-95).


==== Orders ====
Boeing has shipped 9,295 aircraft of the 737 family since late 1967,<ref name=737_O_D_summ/> with 7,789 of those deliveries since March 1, 1988,<ref name="Boeing_O-D">{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/#/orders-deliveries|title= Orders and Deliveries search page |publisher=] |date=November 30, 2016 |accessdate=December 10, 2016}}</ref> and has a further 4,280 on firm order as of November 2016.<ref name=737_O_D_summ/> In comparison, ] has delivered 7,345 A320 series aircraft since their certification/first delivery in early 1988, with another 5,460 on firm order (as of November 2016).<ref name="Airbus_Orders_2">{{cite web |url=http://www.airbus.com/no_cache/company/market/orders-deliveries |title=Orders & deliveries viewer|publisher=]|accessdate=December 10, 2016}}</ref>
The 737 had the highest, cumulative orders for any airliner until surpassed by the A320 family in October 2019.<ref name="Flight15nov2019">{{Cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/total-a320-orders-overtake-737s-as-max-crisis-persi-462255/ |title= A320's order total overtakes 737's as Max crisis persists |date= November 15, 2019 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal |access-date= November 16, 2019 |archive-date= November 16, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191116075424/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/total-a320-orders-overtake-737s-as-max-crisis-persi-462255/ |url-status= live}}</ref> In that year, 737 orders dropped by 90%, as 737 MAX orders dried up after the March grounding.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hawkins |first1=Andrew J. |title=Boeing had more cancellations than orders in 2019 as 737 Max crisis deepens |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065581/boeing-orders-cancellation-737-max-2019 |website=] |date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125051322/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065581/boeing-orders-cancellation-737-max-2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 737 MAX backlog fell by 182, mainly due to the ] bankruptcy, a drop in Boeing's airliner backlog was a first in at least the past 30 years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=LeBeau |first1=Phil |title=Boeing posts negative commercial airplane orders in 2019 for first time in decades |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/14/boeing-posts-negative-commercial-airplane-orders-for-first-time-in-decades.html |work=CNBC |date=January 14, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125031818/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/14/boeing-posts-negative-commercial-airplane-orders-for-first-time-in-decades.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
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* {{legend|green|]<ref name="Airbus_Orders_2"/><ref name="Airbus_Hist_OD">{{cite web |url=http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223223239/http://www.airbus.com/fileadmin/media_gallery/files/reports_results_reviews/Summary_Historial_Orders_Deliveries_1974-2009.xls |archivedate=December 23, 2010 |title = Historical Orders and Deliveries 1974–2009 |work=] |date=January 2010 |format=Microsoft Excel |accessdate=10 December 2012}}</ref>}}
* {{legend|blue|]<ref name="Boeing_Hist_Deliveries">{{cite web |url=http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?&optReportType=HistAnnDel |title= Historical Deliveries |publisher=] |date= December 2015 |accessdate=February 5, 2016}}</ref>}}


<!-- This portion is to be updated monthly as per latest O&D file -->
==Orders and deliveries==
{{as of|2024|11|df=US}}, 16,725 units of the Boeing 737 family had been ordered, with 4,818 orders were pending, or 4,218 when including "additional criteria for recognizing contracted backlog with customers beyond the existence of a firm contract" (ASC 606 Adjustment).<ref name="O_D_summ" />


===Total production=== ==== Deliveries ====
]
In total, 9,295 units of the Boeing 737 have been built and delivered as of November 30, 2016.<ref name=737_O_D_summ/>
Boeing delivered the 5,000th 737 to ] on February 13, 2006, the 6,000th 737 to ] in April 2009,<ref name="Flight22apr2009">{{cite news |author= Kingsley-Jones, Max |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pictures-6000-and-counting-for-boeings-popular-little-twinjet/86059.article |title= 6,000 and counting for Boeing's popular little twinjet |work= Flight International |date= April 22, 2009 |access-date= January 9, 2020 |archive-date= July 27, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200727014427/https://www.flightglobal.com/pictures-6000-and-counting-for-boeings-popular-little-twinjet/86059.article |url-status= live}}</ref> the 7,000th 737 to ] on December 16, 2011,<ref name="737facts2013" /> the 8,000th 737 to ] on April 16, 2014,<ref>{{cite news|title=Boeing's 737 Turns 8,000: The Best-Selling Plane Ever Isn't Slowing|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-16/boeing-s-737-turns-8-000-the-best-selling-plane-ever-isn-t-slowing|publisher=Bloomberg Business Week|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=April 16, 2014|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416231815/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-16/boeing-s-737-turns-8-000-the-best-selling-plane-ever-isn-t-slowing|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the 9,000th 737 to ] in April 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://theworldofaviationblog.wordpress.com/2016/04/21/boeing-delivers-9000th-737/ |title= Boeing delivers 9,000th 737 |work= The World of Aviation |date= April 21, 2016 |access-date= October 13, 2021}}</ref> The 10,000th 737 was ordered in July 2012,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.boeing.com/Features/2012/07/bca_737_10000th_07_11_12.html |title= 737 tops 10,000 orders |publisher= Boeing |date= July 12, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120726002847/http://www.boeing.com/Features/2012/07/bca_737_10000th_07_11_12.html |archive-date= July 26, 2012}}</ref> rolled out on March 13, 2018, and was to be delivered to Southwest Airlines; the backlog at the time stood at over 4,600 aircraft.<ref name="Flight13march2018">{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-boeing-built-10000-737s-446735/ |title= How Boeing built 10,000 737s |date= March 13, 2018 |author= Max Kingsley-Jones |work= Flightglobal |access-date= March 15, 2018 |archive-date= March 15, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180315135255/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-boeing-built-10000-737s-446735/ |url-status= live}}</ref>

<!-- This portion is to be updated monthly as per latest O&D file -->
{{as of|2024|11|df=US}}, 11,907 units of the Boeing 737 family had been delivered,<ref name=O_D_summ /> while 11,773 of the competing A320 family had been delivered.<ref name="AirbusOrd&Del">{{cite web |title=Orders & Deliveries |url=https://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html |work=] |date=November 30, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218195733/http://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html |archive-date=December 18, 2017}}</ref>
Therefore, the 737 is the most delivered jetliner.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/11/us/faa-grounds-scores-of-737-s-to-check-for-a-wiring-problem.html |title= F.A.A. Grounds Scores of 737's To Check for a Wiring Problem |date= May 11, 1998 |work= ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/pilot-report-flying-737-8-boeings-new-narrowbody-breadwinner |title= Pilot Report: Flying the 737-8, Boeing's New Narrowbody Breadwinner |date= May 12, 2017 |work= ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= O'Hare, Maureen |url= https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/world-best-selling-airplanes/index.html |title= The world's best-selling airplanes |date= January 28, 2022 |work= ]}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;"
|+ Deliveries by year for all 737 generations and model series<ref name=O_D_summ />
!Year!! Total !! 2024 !! 2023 !! 2022 !! 2021 !! 2020 !! 2019 !! 2018 !! 2017 !! 2016 !! 2015 !! 2014 !! 2013 !! 2012 !! 2011 !! 2010 !! 2009 !! 2008 !! 2007
|- |-
|'''Deliveries'''||'''11,907'''||247||396||387||263|| 43{{efn|The 2020 deliveries consist of 16 NG-based variants and 27 737 MAXs.}} ||127||580||529||490||495||485||440||415||372||376||372||290||330
!Total Orders!!Total Deliveries!!Unfilled!! 2016 !! 2015 !! 2014 !! 2013 !! 2012 !! 2011 !! 2010 !! 2009 !! 2008 !! 2007
|-
||'''13,568'''||'''9,295'''||'''4,280'''||450||495||485||440||415||372||376||372||290||330
|} |}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;"
|- |-
!Year !! 2006 !! 2005 !! 2004 !! 2003 !! 2002 !! 2001 !! 2000 !! 1999 !! 1998 !! 1997 !! 1996 !! 1995 !! 1994 !! 1993 !! 1992 !! 1991 !! 1990 !! 1989 !! 1988 !! 1987 !2006 !! 2005 !! 2004 !! 2003 !! 2002 !! 2001 !! 2000 !! 1999 !! 1998 !! 1997 !! 1996 !! 1995 !! 1994 !! 1993 !! 1992 !! 1991 !! 1990 !! 1989 !! 1988 !! 1987
|- |-
|'''Deliveries'''||302||212||202||173||223||299||281||320||281||135||76||89||121||152||218||215||174||146||165||161 |302||212||202||173||223||299||282||320||282||135||76||89||121||152||218||215||174||146||165||161
|} |}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; font-size: 96%;"
|- |-
!Year!! 1986 !! 1985 !! 1984 !! 1983 !! 1982 !! 1981 !! 1980 !! 1979 !! 1978 !! 1977 !! 1976 !! 1975 !! 1974 !! 1973 !! 1972 !! 1971 !! 1970 !! 1969 !! 1968 !! 1967 !1986 !! 1985 !! 1984 !! 1983 !! 1982 !! 1981 !! 1980 !! 1979 !! 1978 !! 1977 !! 1976 !! 1975 !! 1974 !! 1973 !! 1972 !! 1971 !! 1970 !! 1969 !! 1968 !! 1967
|- |-
|'''Deliveries'''||141||115||67||83||95||108||92||77||40||25||41||51||55||23||22||29||37||114||105||4 |141||115||67||82||95||108||92||77||40||25||41||51||55||23||22||29||37||114||105||4
|} |}
{{Notelist}}


====Units by generation==== === Model summary ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:96%;"
{{as of|2016|11|30}}, 13,575 units of the Boeing 737 have been ordered, with 4,280 units still to be delivered.<ref name=737_O_D_summ/> Units built by model type for 737 Original, Classic, Next Generation, and Boeing Business Jet families are as follows:
|+ Orders and deliveries by generation and model series<ref name=O_D_summ />

! Generation||Model series|||] code<ref name=ICAOcode>{{cite web |title=DOC 8643 – Aircraft Type Designators |url=http://www.icao.int/publications/DOC8643/Pages/default.aspx |publisher=] |access-date=November 22, 2014 |archive-date=July 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710234013/https://www.icao.int/publications/DOC8643/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>||Orders||Deliveries||Unfilled orders||First flight
{|
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ '''737 Original'''
|- |-
!rowspan=4|737 Original
!Variant
| 737-100 || B731 || 30 || 30 || — || April 9, 1967
!Delivered
!First flight
|- |-
| 737-100 || 30 || April 9, 1967 | 737-200 ||rowspan=3|B732|| 991 || 991 || || August 8, 1967
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-200 || 991 || August 8, 1967
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-200C || 104 || September 18, 1968
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-T43A || 19 || March 10, 1973
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| colspan="3" | '''737 Classic'''
|- |-
| 737-300 || 1,113 || February 24, 1984 | 737-200C || 104 || 104 || — || September 18, 1968
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-400 || 486 || February 19, 1988
|- |-
| 737-500 || 389 || June 30, 1989 | 737-T43A || 19 || 19 || — || March 10, 1973
|}
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ '''737 Next Generation'''
|- |-
!rowspan=3|737 Classic
!Variant
| 737-300 || B733 || 1,113 || 1,113 || — || February 24, 1984
!Delivered <br />(unfilled orders)
!First flight
|- |-
| 737-600 || 69 || January 22, 1998 | 737-400 || B734 || 486 || 486 || — || February 19, 1988
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-700 || 1,122 <br />(67) || February 9, 1997
|- |-
| 737-700C || 20 || | 737-500 || B735 || 389 || 389 || — || June 30, 1989
|- |-
!rowspan=8|737 NG
| 737-700W || 14 ||
| 737-600 || B736 || 69 || 69 || — || January 22, 1998
|- |-
| 737-800 || 4,258 <br />(748) || July 31, 1997 | 737-700 || rowspan=3|B737 || 1,130 || 1,128 || 2 || February 9, 1997
|- |-
| 737-700C || 22 || 22 || — || April 14, 2000<ref>{{Harvnb|Brady|2017}}</ref>
| 737-800A || 73 <br />(31) ||
|- |-
| 737-700W || 14 || 14 || — || May 20, 2004<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2004-05-20-Boeing-Conducts-Successful-First-Flight-of-Australias-737-Airborne-Early-Warning-Control-Aircraft |title=Boeing Conducts Successful First Flight of Australia's 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft |date=May 20, 2004 |publisher=Boeing.mediaroom.com |access-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114092925/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2004-05-20-Boeing-Conducts-Successful-First-Flight-of-Australias-737-Airborne-Early-Warning-Control-Aircraft |url-status=live}}</ref>
| 737-900 || 52 || August 3, 2000
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-900ER || 408<br />(87) || September 1, 2006
|- |-
| 737-800 || rowspan=2|B738 || 4,991 || 4,989 || 2 || July 31, 1997
| colspan="3" |'''737 Boeing Business Jet'''
|- |-
| 737-800A || 191 || 181 || 10 ||April 25, 2009<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/media/paris2015/pdf/Backgrounders/Bkgd_P-8A_May_2015.pdf |title=P-8A Poseidon |publisher=Boeing.mediaroom.com |date=May 31, 2015 |access-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914215258/http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/media/paris2015/pdf/Backgrounders/Bkgd_P-8A_May_2015.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
| 737-BBJ1 (-700) || 119 <br />(1) || September 4, 1998
|- style="background: rgb(245, 250, 255);"
| 737-BBJ2 (-800) || 21 || N/A
|- |-
| 737-BBJ3 (-900) || 7 || N/A | 737-900 || rowspan=2|B739 || 52 || 52 || — || August 3, 2000
|} |-
| 737-900ER || 505 || 505 || — || September 1, 2006
| style="vertical-align: top;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ '''737 MAX'''
|- |-
!rowspan=3|737 BBJ
!Variant
|737-BBJ1 (-700) || B73G || 122 || 122 || — || September 4, 1998
!Delivered <br />(unfilled orders)
!First flight
|- |-
| 737-BBJ2 (-800) || B738 || 23 || 23 || — || N/A
|737 MAX
|0 |-
| 737-BBJ3 (-900) || B739 || 7 || 7 || — || N/A
(3,346)
|-
|January 29, 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-01-29-Boeing-Completes-Successful-737-MAX-First-Flight |title=Boeing Completes Successful 737 MAX First Flight |publisher=Boeing.mediaroom.com |date=January 29, 2016 |accessdate= February 6, 2016}}</ref>
!rowspan=1|737 MAX
| 737 MAX (-7,-8,-9,-10) || rowspan=1|B37M / B38M / B39M / B3XM || 6,467 || 1,663 || 4,804 || January 29, 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-01-29-Boeing-Completes-Successful-737-MAX-First-Flight |title=Boeing Completes Successful 737 MAX First Flight |publisher=Boeing.mediaroom.com |date=January 29, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207004918/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2016-01-29-Boeing-Completes-Successful-737-MAX-First-Flight |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan=1|Boeing 737 family
| '''All series''' || rowspan=1| '''B73-, B3-M'''|| '''16,725''' || '''11,907''' || '''4,818''' || '''April 9, 1967'''<ref name=O_D_summ />
|} |}
|}
Data from Boeing.com through end of November 2016<ref name=737_O_D_summ/>
{{clear}} {{clear}}


==Accidents and incidents== == Accidents and incidents ==
{{main|List of accidents and incidents involving the Boeing 737}}
''For incidents involving other 737 variants see ] and ].''
{{Update section|date=June 2024|reason=Last updated in November 2023}}

As of October 2015, a total of 368 ] involving all 737 aircraft have occurred,<ref> ''Aviation-Safety.net,'' November 20, 2013. Retrieved: November 17, 2014.</ref> including 184 hull-loss accidents resulting in a total of 4,862 fatalities.<ref> ''Aviation-Safety.net''. November 20, 2013. Retrieved: November 17, 2014.</ref> The 737 has also been in 111 ] involving 325 fatalities.<ref> ''Aviation-Safety.net'', November 20, 2013. Retrieved: November 21, 2013.</ref> {{as of|2023|11||df=US}}, the Boeing 737 family has been involved in 529 ],<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026003108/http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?Type=103|date=October 26, 2012}}. ''Aviation-Safety.net'', November 30, 2023. Retrieved: December 14, 2023.</ref> including 215 ] accidents out of 234 hull-losses, resulting in a total of 5,779 fatalities.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804011602/http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type.php?type=103|date=August 4, 2011}}. ''Aviation-Safety.net'', November 30, 2023.. Retrieved: December 14, 2023.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323211704/http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type-stat.php?type=103|date=March 23, 2012}}. ''Aviation-Safety.net'', November 30, 2023.. Retrieved: December 14, 2023</ref>


<!-- Hull loss rate statistic as per data from Boeing. -->
An analysis by Boeing on commercial jet airplane accidents in the period 1959–2013 showed that the original series had a hull loss rate of 1.75 per million departures versus 0.54 for the classic series and 0.27 for the Next Generation series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents – Accident Rates by Airplane Type|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf|website=www.boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|page=19|format=PDF|date=August 2014}}</ref>
A Boeing analysis of commercial jet airplane accidents between 1959 and 2013 found that the hull loss rate for the Original series was 1.75 per million departures, for the Classic series 0.54, and the Next Generation series 0.27.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents – Accident Rates by Airplane Type|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf|website=boeing.com|publisher=Boeing|page=19|date=August 2014|access-date=November 19, 2014|archive-date=November 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101005316/http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2023, the analysis showed that the hull loss rate for the Original series was 1.78 (0.87 fatal hull loss rate), for the Classic series 0.81 (0.26 fatal hull loss rate), for the Next Generation series 0.18 (0.04 fatal hull loss rate), and for the MAX series 1.48 (1.48 fatal hull loss rate) per million departures.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 2023 |title=Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101005316/http://www.boeing.com/news/techissues/pdf/statsum.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2014 |access-date=30 June 2024 |publisher=Boeing |page=10}}</ref>


<!-- Safety issues record in the 90ies and NTSB investigations lead to design improvements ordered by the FAA. -->
;Notable accidents and incidents involving 737-100, and -200 aircraft
During the 1990s, a series of ] on series -200 and -300 aircraft resulted in multiple incidents. In two total loss accidents, ] (a -200 series) and ], (a -300), the pilots lost control of the aircraft following a sudden and unexpected deflection of the ], killing everyone aboard, a total of 157 people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19990912&id=LIUfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bckEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3456,2004004|title=Report says Boeing 737 rudder problems linger|date=September 12, 1999|newspaper=]|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007121023/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19990912&id=LIUfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bckEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3456,2004004|url-status=live}}</ref> Similar rudder issues led to a temporary loss of control on at least five other 737 flights before the problem was ultimately identified. The ] determined that the accidents and incidents were the result of a design flaw that could result in an uncommanded movement of the aircraft's rudder.<ref name="AAR01-01 (UA Flight 585 Amended) Final Report">{{cite book |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0101.pdf |title=Uncontrolled Descent and Collision With Terrain, United Airlines Flight 585, Boeing 737-200, N999UA, 4 Miles South of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 3, 1991 |publisher=] |id=NTSB/AAR-01-01 |date=March 27, 2001 |access-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-date=October 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002041524/http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0101.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|13}}<ref name="NTSB AAR-99-01 (USAir Flight 427) Final Report">{{cite book |date=March 24, 1999 |publisher=] |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR9901.pdf |title=Aircraft Accident Report – Uncontrolled Descent and Collision With Terrain, USAir Flight 427, Boeing 737-300, N513AU, Near Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1994 |id=NTSB/AAR-99-01 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014045026/http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/1999/AAR9901.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|ix}} As a result of the NTSB's findings, the ] ordered that the rudder servo valves be replaced on all 737s and mandated new training protocols for pilots to handle an unexpected movement of control surfaces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www1.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/WebNewAD/2A37F5FABA444A8086256C4B005A2884?OpenDocument|title=Boeing Model 737 Series Airplanes|website=www1.airweb.faa.gov|access-date=May 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007121005/http://www1.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/WebNewAD/2A37F5FABA444A8086256C4B005A2884?OpenDocument|archive-date=October 7, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* July 19, 1970 – ] Flight 611, a new Boeing 737-200 (registration N9005U "City of Bristol") was damaged beyond economical repair after an aborted take off at ]. During take off, a loud "bang" was heard, and the aircraft veered right. The captain aborted the take off, and the aircraft ran off the end of the runway, stopping 1634 feet past its end, in a field. There were no fatalities. This was the first non-fatal incident involving a 737.<ref> '']''. Retrieved:.</ref>
* July 5, 1972 – ] was hijacked by two men demanding $800,000 and to be taken to the Soviet Union. In San Francisco, the plane was stormed and the two hijackers were killed along with one passenger.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19980223-0|type=Hijacking}}</ref>
* December 8, 1972 – ], a 737-200 (registration N9031U) crashed while attempting to land at ]. Two people on the ground and 43 of the 61 passengers and crew on board were killed. This was the first fatal incident involving a 737.<ref> '']''. Retrieved: July 19, 2010.</ref>
* May 31, 1973 – ], a 737-200, crashed while on approach to ] in ], ]. Of the 65 passengers and crew on board, 48 were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19730531-0 |title=Aircraft accident Boeing 737-2A8 VT-EAM Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |accessdate=2013-04-29}}</ref>
* December 17, 1973 – In the wake of the events surrounding ], a parked Lufthansa Boeing 737–100 (registered D-ABEY) was hijacked at ] in Rome. Two pilots and two flight attendants were on board preparing the aircraft for departure to ] when five ] terrorists entered the aircraft with ten Italian hostages taken from the airport. The crew were then forced to fly the aircraft to ] and then on to several other airports, until the ordeal ended at ] the next day, where the hijackers surrendered.<ref>. Aviation-safety.net. Retrieved on July 8, 2011.</ref><ref>Arab Hijackers Land in Kuwait; Hostages Freed," The New York Times, December 19, 1973. Page 1.</ref>
* March 31, 1975 – ], a 737-200 (registration N4527W) overshot a runway contaminated with snow at ] in ]. Four of the 99 aboard were injured, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
* October 13, 1977 – ] was hijacked by four Palestinians, demanded the release of seven ] members in German prisons and $15,000,000. The captain was fatally shot. On October 17, ] stormed the plane and killed 3 of the hijackers and captured the other.<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19771013-0|type=Hijacking}}</ref>
* December 4, 1977 – ], a 737-200 (registration 9M-MBD) crashed following a ] oscillation that saw the aircraft diving into a swamp after both its pilots were shot following a hijacking. The crash happened in the Southern Malaysian state of Johor. A total of 93 passengers and seven crew were killed, including Malaysian Agricultural Minister, Dato' Ali Haji Ahmad; Public Works Department Head, Dato' Mahfuz Khalid; and Cuban Ambassador to Japan, Mario García Incháustegui.
* February 11, 1978 – ], a 737-200, crashed while attempting to land at ], ], ]. The aircraft crashed after thrust reversers did not fully stow following a go-around that was executed in order to avoid a snowplow. The crash killed four of the crew members and 38 of the 44 passengers.<ref> ''Plane Crash Info''</ref>
* April 26, 1979 – An ] was damaged by a bomb in the forward lavatory. The plane made a flapless landing in ], ].<ref>{{ASN accident|id=19790426-0|type=Bombing}}</ref>
* November 4, 1980 – ] 737-200 registration D2-TAA, that landed short of the runway at Benguela Airport, slid some 900 m following the collapse of the gear; a fire broke out on the right wing but there were no reported fatalities. The aircraft caught fire during recovery operations on next day and was written off.<ref>{{ASN accident|id= 19801104-1|type= Incident|title= D2-TAA|accessdate= {{date|2011-6-25}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title=Safety update...|journal=Flight International|publisher=IPC Transport Press|issn=0015-3710|issue=3735|volume=118|date= December 6, 1980|page= 2082|format= PDF|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1980/1980%20-%203681.html|quote= A TAAG-Angolan Airlines Boeing 737 landed short of the runway at Benguela on November 5. The aircraft, D2-TAA, destroyed its landing gear and skidded 1,000m, breaking off one engine. The starboard wing was burned out and the fuselage side received fire damage. During the recovery operation on November 10 the aircraft caught fire and was totally destroyed. There were no injuries.}}</ref>
* May 2, 1981 – ], a 737-200, which was hijacked and en route from ], ] to London ], UK. While on approach to Heathrow, about five minutes before the flight was due to land, a 55-year-old Australian man named Laurence James Downey went into the toilet and doused himself in petrol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/tv/scannal/aerlingushijack.html|title=Scannal – Aer Lingus Hijack|publisher=]|accessdate=24 August 2010}}</ref> He then went to the cockpit and demanded that the plane continue on to ] in France, and refuel there for a flight to ], Iran.<ref name=Daytona>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OfswAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nuAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2507%2C2059961 |title=Hijacker Has Tangled Past |work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal |date=4 May 1981 |page=4B}}</ref><ref name=Kingman>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PnwLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qlMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2133%2C228268 |title=Police storm Irish jetliner; hostages freed unharmed |work=Kingman Daily Miner |date=3 May 1981 |pages=1, 5}}</ref> Upon landing at Le Touquet, Downey further demanded the publication in the Irish press of a nine-page statement which he had the Captain throw from the cockpit window.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vltOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UPkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4474%2C366604 |title=Former monk hijacks Irish airliner |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |date=2 May 1981 |page=2}}</ref> After an eight-hour standoff (during which time Downey released 11 of his 112 hostages),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zLIfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=etcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3371%2C163326 |title=Former monk surrenders plane |work=The Southeast Missourian |date=3 May 1981 |page=1}}</ref> French special forces stormed the plane and apprehended Downey. No shots were fired and nobody was injured.<ref name=Toledo>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fnZhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mgIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6877%2C5143069 |title=French Police Storm Plane, Capture Hijacker |work=The Toledo Blade |date=3 May 1981 |page=2}}</ref>
* August 22, 1981 – ], a 737-200 (registration B-2603) broke apart in mid-air and crashed 14 minutes after taking off from ] in ]. All 6 crew and 104 passengers were killed, including Japanese TV screenwriter ].<ref>"." '']'' at '']''. Sunday August 23, 1981. Late City Final Edition, Section 1, Page 3, Column 1. Retrieved on January 6, 2012.</ref>
* January 13, 1982 – ], a 737-200 crashed in a severe snowstorm, immediately after takeoff from ], hitting the ] and fell into the ice-covered ] in ]. All but five of the 74 passengers and five crew members died; four motorists on the bridge were also killed.<ref name="NTSB-AAR-82-8"> ''amelia.db.erau.edu.'' Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref>
* May 25, 1982 – ] 737-2A1 registration PP-SMY, on landing procedures at ] during rain, made a hard landing with nose gear first. The gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded off the runway breaking in two. Two passengers out of 118 occupants died.<ref>{ ''Aviation Safety Network,'' May 30, 2011.</ref>
* August 26, 1982 – ], a 737-200 (registration JA8444) overran the runway at ] in ] and was destroyed. There were no fatalities but some were injured during the emergency evacuation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19820826-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-2Q3 JA8444 Ishigaki Airport (ISG)|author=Harro Ranter|date=26 August 1982|work=aviation-safety.net|accessdate=1 April 2015}}</ref>
* March 27, 1983 – ] 737-200 registration C9-BAB Undercarriage failure after landing some 400 metres (1,300&nbsp;ft) short of the runway at ]. There were no fatalities.<ref>{{ASN accident|title= C9-BAB|id= 19830327-0|accessdate= {{date|2012-1-24}}}}</ref>
* July 11, 1983 – ] 737-2V2 Advanced, registration HC-BIG, ] while attempting to land at ], killing all 111 passengers and eight crew on board. The cause of the crash was a ] (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) as a cause of the pilot's inexperience with the aircraft. It remains the deadliest aviation accident in Ecuadorean history.<ref name=FI>{{cite journal|title=none|journal=]|date=28 January 1984|page=286}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=13 July 1983|title='Saboteurs' may have downed jet|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YlwxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QKUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2442%2C477595|newspaper=Montreal Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8fQoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-YIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2752%2C4262578|newspaper=The Deseret News|title=Five Americans among victims of Ecuadorean airline crash|date=12 July 1983}}</ref> after a radio station reported witnesses to a mid-air explosion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8fQoAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-YIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2752%2C4262578|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|title=119 die in crash of Ecuadorean jet|date=12 July 1983|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
* September 23, 1983 – ], a 737-200 (registration A40-BK) experienced an attempted terrorist bomb exploded in the baggage compartment, stalled and crashed in the desert near ] between ] and ] in the ]. All 5 crew and 107 passengers were killed, many of whom were Pakistani citizens.<ref>{{cite news|title=112 aboard airliner are killed in crash in Persian Gulf sheikdom|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/24/world/112-aboard-airliner-are-killed-in-crash-in-persian-gulf-sheikdom.html|accessdate={{date|2014-11-20}}|work=The New York Times|agency=AP|date=September 24, 1983}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Accident information : Boeing 737 Gulf Air A4O-BK|url=http://www.airfleets.net/crash/crash_report_Gulf%20Air_A4O-BK.htm|publisher=Airfleets.net|accessdate={{date|2014-11-20}}}}</ref>
* November 8, 1983 – ] stalled and crashed shortly after taking off from ] in Angola resulting of the deaths of all its 130 occupants (126 passengers and 4 crew) on board.<ref>{{ASN accident|id= 19831108-0|type= Accident|title= D2-TBN|accessdate= {{date|2011-6-25}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title= Unita shots down TAAG 737|journal= Flight International|volume=124|issue=3889|publisher=Transport Press|issn=0015-3710|date=November 19, 1983|page= 1336|format=PDF|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202088.html|quote= Unita guerrillas claim that they shot down the TAAG Angolan Airlines Boeing 737 which crashed immediately after take-off from Lubango, Southern Angola, with the loss of all 126 people on board. Unita opposes Angola's Government, and claims that the flight, bound for Luanda, was carrying only military personnel. The incident took place on November 8.}}</ref>
* February 9, 1984 – ] 737-200 registration D2-TBV, that departed from ] operating a scheduled passenger service, suffered hydraulic problems following an explosion in the rear of the aircraft and returned to the airport of departure for an emergency landing. The plane touched down fast and overran the runway.<ref>{{ASN accident|title= D2-TBV|type= Incident|id= 19840209-0|accessdate= {{date|2011-7-7}}}}</ref>
* March 22, 1984 – ], a 737-200 regularly scheduled flight that caught fire in ], Canada. Five people were seriously injured and 22 suffered minor injuries, but no-one was killed.
* August 30, 1984 – ], a 737-200 (registration TJ-CBD) caught fire as the aircraft was taxiing out for takeoff for ] in ], ], ]. All but two of 109 passengers and two crew were reported to have survived.<ref name=asn>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19840830-0|title=ASN accident record|publisher=ASN|accessdate=2009-06-15}}</ref>
* June 21, 1985 – ], a 737-200 that was hijacked by a 24-year-old man, Stein Arvid Huseby at the ] in ], ]. His demands were to make a political statement and talk to Prime Minister ] and Minister of Justice ]. The plane landed at ] in ] and was surrounded by the police. After one hour, Huseby released 70 hostages in exchange for having the aircraft being moved closer to the terminal building. Thirty minutes later, Huseby released the remaining passengers. He drank throughout the incident, and after he consumed the plane's beer supply, he surrendered his weapon in exchange for more beer. The plane was immediately stormed and Huseby arrested.
* August 22, 1985 – ], a 737-200, caught fire after an aborted takeoff at ], UK, after a crack in one of the combustors of the left Pratt & Whitney JT8D-15 engine. Of the 136 passengers and crew on board, 56 died, most due to toxic smoke inhalation. Research following the accident investigation led to many innovations in air safety, including a redesign of the 737's galley area.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/formal_reports/8_1988_g_bgjl.cfm |title=AAIB report No:8/88 – Boeing 737–236, G-BGJL, at Manchester Airport |ISBN=0-11-550892-9 |year=1989}}</ref>
* January 28, 1986 – ] 737-2A1 registration PP-SME, tried to take-off from a taxiway at ]. The take-off was aborted, but the aircraft overran, collided with a dyke and broke in two. The weather was foggy. There was one fatality.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19840830-0|title=ASN incident record|publisher=ASN|accessdate=}}</ref>
* October 15, 1986 – ] 737-200 registration EP-IRG was attacked by ]i aircraft. Passengers were disembarking at the time of the attack. According to Iranian authorities a number of ] aircraft were also destroyed. Three occupants were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19861015-2|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-286 EP-IRG Shiraz Airport (SYZ)|author=Harro Ranter|date=15 October 1986|work=aviation-safety.net|accessdate=1 April 2015}}</ref>
* December 25, 1986 – ], a 737-200 that was ] and crashed, catching fire in ] near ]. There were 106 people on board, and 60 passengers and 3 crew members died.
* August 4, 1987 – ] 737-200 registration CC-CHJ, operated in a flight, while on the approach at ], ], landed short of the displaced threshold of runway 27. The nosegear collapsed and the aircraft broke in two. A fire broke out 30 minutes later and destroyed the aircraft. The threshold was displaced by 880m due to construction work. There was one fatality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19870804-2 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-2A1 CC-CHJ Calama-El Loa Airport (CJC) |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |accessdate=2014-01-04}}</ref>
* August 31, 1987 – ], a 737-200 (registration HS-TBC) crashed into the sea off ], ]. A total of 74 passengers and 9 crew on board lost their lives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1987/09/01/world/83-feared-killed-in-thai-air-crash.html|title=83 Feared Killed in Thai Air Crash|date=1 September 1987|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
* January 2, 1988 – ], a charter operated 737-200, crashed in Serefsihar near ], ], due to ILS problems. All 11 Passengers and 5 crew were killed in the accident.
* April 28, 1988 – ], a 737-200, suffered extensive damage after an ] at {{convert|24000|ft|m}}, but was able to land safely at ] on ] with one fatality. A flight attendant, who was not in restraints at the moment of decompression, was blown out of the aircraft over the ocean and was never found.
* September 15, 1988 – ], a 737-200, suffered a multiple ] while taking off from ]. Both engines failed and the airliner crashed and caught fire while trying to return to the airport. Thirty-five of 98 passengers died while all six crew members survived.<ref>" '']''. Retrieved: February 12, 2010.</ref>
* September 26, 1988 – ] 737-200 registration LV-LIU operating Flight 648 departed in ] in ], ] and made an emergency landing at ] in ], Argentina. There were no fatalities.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19880926-0|title=ASN accident record|publisher=ASN|accessdate=}}</ref>
* February 9, 1989 – ] 737-200 registration C9-BAD overran the runway while making an emergency landing at Lichinga Airport. There were no fatalities.<ref>{{ASN accident|title= C9-BAD|id= 19890209-1|accessdate= {{date|2012-1-13}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title= 1989 airline safety so far – Non-fatal accidents/incidents: scheduled passenger flights|author=David Learmount|journal= ]|issn=0015-3710|issue=4174|volume=136|page=34|date= {{date|1989-7-22}}|format= PDF|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1989/1989%20-%202260.html|accessdate= {{date|2014-11-18}}}}</ref>
* September 3, 1989 – ] 737-241 registration PP-VMK operating ] flying from ] to ] with intermediate stops, crashed near ] while on the last leg of the flight between ] and Belém due to a ] ]al error, which led to ] and a subsequent ] into the jungle, {{convert|450|mi|sigfig=3}} southwest of Marabá. Out of 54 occupants, there were 13 fatalities, all of them passengers. The survivors were discovered two days later.<ref> ''Aviation Safety Network.'' Retrieved: June 25, 2011.}</ref><ref>{{cite book | first=Carlos Ari César | last=Germano da Silva | title=O rastro da bruxa, história da aviação comercial brasileira no século XX através dos seus acidentes 1928-1996 | chapter=Rumo errado |publisher=EDIPUCRS | edition=2 | place=Porto Alegre | year=2008 | pages=352–360 | isbn=978-85-7430-760-2 | language=Portuguese}}</ref>
* October 2, 1990 – The ] were the result of the hijacking of ] Flight 8301, a 737-200 (registration B-2510). Whilst attempting to land at Guangzhou Baiyun it struck two other airplanes. The hijacked aircraft struck a parked China Southwest Airlines Boeing 707 first, inflicting only minor damage, but then collided with China Southern Airlines Flight 2812, a Boeing 757-200 waiting for takeoff, and flipped on its back. A total of 128 people were killed, including 7 of 9 crew members and 75 of 93 passengers on Flight 8301 and 46 of 110 passengers on Flight 2812.
* March 3, 1991 – ], a 737-291 carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, lost control after a rudder malfunction and crashed outside of ], killing everyone on board.
* June 6, 1992 – ], a 737-204 Advanced registration HP-1205CMP en route from ] in ], ] to ] in ], ] crashed into the Darien Gap 29 minutes after taking-off from Tocumen International Airport. All 47 on board (40 passengers and 7 crew) were killed in the crash.<ref>{{cite news |title= Explosion en avion: fallecen 47 personas |author= El Tiempo |url= http://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/MAM-133013 |date= June 11, 2012<!-- 5:12 AM-->|accessdate=June 11, 2012 <!-- 5:12 AM --> }}</ref>
* June 22, 1992 – ] cargo 737-2A1C registration PP-SND en route from ] to ] crashed in the jungle while on arrival procedures to Cruzeiro do Sul. The crew of two and one passenger died.<ref> ''Aviation Safety Network.'' Retrieved: June 16, 2011,</ref>
* December 21, 1994 – ], a 737-200C on behalf of ] crashed in ], UK. All 5 crew members were killed.
* August 9, 1995 – ] Flight 901, a 737-200 (registration N125GU) crashed on approach to the ] in ], ]. 58 of 65 occupants were killed.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19950809-1|title=ASN accident record|publisher=ASN|accessdate=}}</ref>
* November 13, 1995 – ], a 737-2F9 (5N-AUA), suffered a runway overrun at ] in Nigeria. All 14 crew members survived, but 11 of the 124 passengers were killed.<ref>"." ]. Retrieved on 6 June 2012.</ref>
* December 3, 1995 – ], a 737-200 (registration TJ-CBE) crashed after it lost control and on approach to the Douala International Airport in ], ], Cameroon. 71 passengers and crew lost their lives, but there were 5 survivors.<ref name=as>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19951203-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-2K9 TJ-CBE Douala |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |accessdate=2010-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planecrashinfo.com/1995/1995-72.htm |title=1995-72 ACCIDENT DETAILS |publisher=www.planecrashinfo.com |accessdate=2010-04-04}}</ref>
* February 29, 1996 – ], a 737-200 (registration OB-1451) crashed on approach to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport in Arequipa, Peru. A total of 117 passengers and 6 crew on board lost their lives.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://aviation-safety.net/database/dblist.php?Country=OB|title= Accident record for Peru|work= Aviation Safety Network|accessdate= 3 March 2012}}</ref>
* April 3, 1996 – ] ] (a modified 737-200 and serial number 73-1149) (], based at ], Germany) operating in a VIP transport flight ] on approach to ] in ], ] while on an official trade mission. All 5 crew and 30 passengers were killed, including ] ] and ] ] Bureau chief Nathaniel C. Nash. Air Force Technical Sergeant Shelly Kelly survived the crash, but died three hours after the crash from an injury sustained in an ambulance.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=FSF Editorial Staff|title=Dubrovnik-bound Flight Crew's Improperly Flown Nonprecision Instrument Approach Results in Controlled-flight-into-terrain Accident|journal=Flight Safety Digest|date=August 1996|volume=15|issue=7/8|pages=1–25|url=http://flightsafety.org/fsd/fsd_jul-aug96.pdf|publisher=]|format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Linda D. Kozaryn |title=Air Force Releases Brown Crash Investigation Report |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=40796 |website=www.defense.gov |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |accessdate={{date|2014-11-23}} |date=June 13, 1996 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129095429/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=40796 |archivedate=November 29, 2014 |df=mdy }}</ref>
* June 9, 1996 – ], a 737-2H5 on a scheduled domestic passenger flight between ] in ] and ] in ], the flight lost rudder control but was able to land successfully. There were no fatalities but one flight attendant suffered minor injuries, among 48 passengers and 4 crew members surviving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fss.aero/accident-reports/look.php?report_key=1078|title=Event Details|work=fss.aero|accessdate=1 April 2015}}</ref>
* February 14, 1997 – ] 737-241, registration PP-CJO operating flight 265, flying from ] to ], while on touchdown procedures at Carajás during a thunderstorm, veered off the right side of the runway after its right main landing gear collapsed rearwards. The aircraft crashed into a forest. One crew member was killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19970214-0 |title="Accident description PP-CJO." '&#39;Aviation Safety Network.'&#39; Retrieved: June 17, 2011 |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |accessdate=2013-04-29}}</ref>
* April 12, 1998 – ] Flight 717, a 737-200 Overran the runway at a speed of 80 knots after a heavy landing on a wet runway at ] in ]. The right main gear collapsed. There were no fatalities.
* May 5, 1998 – ] 737-200 (FAP-351) leased from ], operating a charter flight from ] in Iquitos, Peru, which crashed in rainy weather whilst on approach to ] in ], Peru. There were 75 fatalities, only eleven passengers and two crew members survived.
* May 10, 1999 – ] 737-247 was on a training flight when it overran the runway while making an emergency landing at ], ]. The nosegear collapsed. Grass near the aircraft caught fire causing the airplane to burn out. There were no fatalities.
* August 31, 1999 – ], a 737-200, crashed while attempting to take off from the ] in Buenos Aires en route to ]. The crash resulted in 65 fatalities.
* April 19, 2000 – ], a 737-200 flying from ] in ] crashed on approach to ] in ], ]. All 124 passengers and 7 crew members on board were killed.<ref> ''BBC,'' November 30, 2007. Retrieved: September 9, 2011.</ref><ref> ''Aviation Safety Network,'' April 19, 2000. Retrieved: September 3, 2010.</ref>
* December 26, 2002 – ] 737-200 registration D2-TDB and operating flight 572 that had departed from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport bound for Luanda, was involved in a mid-air collision over Namibian airspace with a propeller-driven light aircraft ] registration V5-WAA, that took off from ] in ].<ref>{{ASN accident|id= 20021226-1|type= Incident|title= D2-TDB|accessdate= {{date|2011-6-23}}}}</ref><ref name="737 and Cessna 404 in collision over Namibia">{{cite news|title=737 and Cessna 404 in collision over Namibia |first=David |last=Learmount |location=] |publisher=Flightglobal.com |agency=Flight International |date={{date|2003-1-7}} |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2003/01/07/159906/737-and-cessna-404-in-collision-over-namibia.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Ab2SqxZk?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flightglobal.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2F737-and-cessna-404-in-collision-over-namibia-159906%2F |archivedate=September 11, 2012 |accessdate={{date|2012-9-11}} |deadurl=no |df=mdy }}</ref>
* March 6, 2003 – ], a 737-200 crashed shortly after taking off from ], ]. All 97 passengers and 6 crew on board perished with the exception of a 28-year-old soldier, Youcef Djillali.<ref name="Nouvel Obs">." () '']''. 11 March 2003. Retrieved on 31 December 2013.</ref>
* July 8, 2003 – ], a 737-200C (registration ST-AFK) stalled and crashed in ], ] resulting of the deaths of all its 117 occupants (106 passengers and 11 crew members) on board.
* February 3, 2005 – ], a 737-200 registration EX-037 crashed into the ] in ]. All 96 passengers and 8 crew members on board lost their lives.
* August 23, 2005 – ], a 737-200 crashed on approach to ] in ]. 40 of 98 occupants lost their lives, while 58 others survived.<ref name="ASN">{{ASN accident|id= 20050823-0|accessdate= {{date|2011-12-16}}}}</ref><ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|title=58 walk away from Peruvian plane crash |work=] |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-08-23-peru-crash_x.htm |date={{date|2005-8-25}} |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67aNHBSYW?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F2005-08-23-peru-crash_x.htm |archivedate=May 11, 2012 |accessdate={{date|2012-5-11}} |deadurl=no |df=mdy }}</ref>
* September 5, 2005 – ], a 737-200, crashed in a densely populated neighborhood of ], ], ], because trying to take off with incorrect flap settings. It was carrying 117 on board (of whom 100 passengers and 5 crew) as well as 49 people on the ground were killed.<ref>{{cite news| author= ] |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1766252,00.html |title=At least 149 die when jet crashes into city moments after take-off |newspaper=The Times |location= London |date= 6 September 2005 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604013829/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article563052.ece |archivedate=June 4, 2011 }}</ref>
* October 22, 2005 – ], a 737-200 (registration 5N-BFN) stalled and crashed shortly after taking off from ] in ], ] en route to the ] for the Nigerian capital ], resulting of the deaths of all its 117 occupants (111 passengers and 6 crew members) on board.
* October 29, 2006 – ], a 737-200 crashed during a storm shortly after takeoff from ] in ], Nigeria. All but seven of the 104 passengers and crew were reported to have been killed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nigerian plane crashes with 104 people aboard|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/29/world/africa/29iht-crash.3322751.html?|accessdate={{date|2014-11-18}}|work=The New York Times|date=October 29, 2006}}</ref>
* January 24, 2007 – ], a 737-200 was hijacked by a 26-year-old man, Mohamed Abdu Altif, who entered the cockpit of the aircraft approximately half an hour after takeoff from ] in Sudan. The aircraft landed safely at the ] in ] where the hijacker surrendered. All 95 passengers and 8 crew on board survived.
* June 28, 2007 – ] 737-200 crashed in northern ].
* August 24, 2008, ], a 737-200 from ] wet leased to ] crashed while attempting an emergency landing on return, ten minutes after departure from ], ]. The airliner was flying to ], ]. Out of 83 passengers and seven crew, there were 22 survivors.
* August 30, 2008 – ] 737-200 Advanced registration YV-102T operating a ferry flight from ] in ], ] stalled and crashed into the ], ]. One passenger and both pilots died.<ref name="b737.org.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.b737.org.uk/accident_reports.htm|title= Boeing 737 Accident Reports|accessdate={{date|2014-11-18}} |publisher= b737.org.uk | website=www.b737.org.uk}}</ref>
* March 1, 2010 – ] Flight 100, a 737-200 (5H-MVZ) sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway on landing at ] and the nose gear collapsed. Damage was also caused to an engine.<ref name=AH42800a18>Hradecky, Simon. ''Aviation Herald,'' March 1, 2010.</ref>
* August 20, 2010 – ] Flight 334, a 737-200 (5N-BIF), struck the localizer antenna and landed short of the runway at ]. Several passengers were slightly injured and the aircraft was substantially damaged. Chanchangi Airlines again suspended operations following the accident.<ref name=AH42ff590a>Hradecky, Simon. ''Aviation Herald,'' August 22, 2010.</ref>
* August 20, 2011 – ], a 737-200, crashed near ] in the Canadian territory of ]. Of the 15 people on board, there were three survivors.<ref> ''CBC News'', August 20, 2011.</ref>
* April 20, 2012 – ], a 737-200, crashed in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. All 127 passengers and crew on board were killed.<ref>. dawn.com, April 20, 2012.</ref>
<!-- Section only for 737-100 and -200 incidents/accidents. 737-300/-400/-500 accidents are covered at ]. 737-600/-700/-800/-900 accidents are covered in the ] article. Thanks.
PLEASE do not add the Southwest Flight 812 incident here. That belongs in the 737 Classic article, ''not'' here.


<!-- Safety issues related to MAX accidents and the grounding by the FAA and production suspension by Boeing. -->
Before adding an incident entry read the notability requirements in the Incidents section at ]. -->
Following the crashes of two 737 MAX 8 aircraft, ] in October 2018 and ] in March 2019, which caused 346 deaths, ] around the world ].<ref name=nyt-maxgroundings /> On December 16, 2019, Boeing announced that it would suspend production of the 737 MAX from January 2020.<ref name=Boeing16dec2019 /> Production of the MAX series resumed on May 27, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boeing Resumes 737 MAX Production|url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130685|access-date=January 10, 2021|website=MediaRoom|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112050500/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=130685|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Aircraft on display== == Aircraft on display ==
{{expand list|date=August 2024}}
]]]
] 737-200 N213US fuselage section at the ]]]


Owing to the 737's long production history and popularity, many older 737s have found use in museums after reaching the end of useful service.
*737-130 N515NA is on display in NASA markings at the ] in Seattle, Washington. It was the first 737 built.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737-130|url=http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/boeing-737-130|website=www.museumofflight.org|publisher=The Museum of Flight}}</ref>
* 19437/1: 737-130 registered ] on static display at the ] in ]. It was the first 737 built and is painted in NASA markings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737-130|url=http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/boeing-737-130|website=The Museum of Flight|access-date=March 24, 2017|archive-date=April 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424155037/http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/boeing-737-130|url-status=live}}</ref>
*737-222 N9065U is partially preserved at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exhibits|url=http://www.hiller.org/exhibits.shtml|website=www.hiller.org|publisher=Hiller Aviation Museum}}</ref>
* 19047/14: 737-222 registered N9009U preserved by ] at ].{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
*737-201 N213US is partially preserved at the ] in Seattle in ] markings.<ref>{{cite web|title=B737 Airliner Theater|url=http://www.museumofflight.org/737-airliner-theater|website=www.museumofflight.org|publisher=The Museum of Flight}}</ref>
*737-2H4 N29SW, formerly operated by ], is on display at the ] in Wichita, Kansas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737-200|url=http://kansasaviationmuseum.org/visit/aircraft/boeing-737-200/|website=kansasaviationmuseum.org|publisher=Kansas Aviation Museum}}</ref> * 20213/160: 737-201 registered N213US forward fuselage on static display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, in ] livery.<ref>{{cite web |title=N213US |url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11343696 |website=Jetphotos |access-date=30 November 2024 |date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
* 20561/292: 737-281 registered LV-WTX on static display at the ] in ].{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
*737-2H4 N86SW is partially preserved as a restaurant in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/15946|title=Walnut Ridge, AR - Parachute Inn - Boeing 737|work=RoadsideAmerica.com}}</ref>
* 20562/293: 737-281 registered CC-CSK fuselage preserved at Motel Bahía in ], ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://modocharlie.com/2012/12/trasladaron-el-boeing-737-200-al-motel-en-concon/ |title=Trasladaron el Boeing 737-200 al motel en Concón (Actualizado con fotos) |website=ModoCharlie |access-date=July 11, 2018 |date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712025109/http://modocharlie.com/2012/12/trasladaron-el-boeing-737-200-al-motel-en-concon/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*737-2Z6 L-11-1/26 of the ] is displayed at Don Muang Airport, Bangkok.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Thailand---Air/Boeing-737-2Z6-Adv/2415239/&sid=e8e999a92497f7ece184ee3d9b9d35f8|title=Photos: Boeing 737-2Z6/Adv Aircraft Pictures - Airliners.net|work=Airliners.net|accessdate=1 April 2015}}</ref>
* 21262/470: 737-2H4 registered C-GWJT on static display at the ] Aerospace Technology Campus in ]. It is used for ground instructional training. The aircraft was donated by ] and bears its livery.<ref>{{cite web|title=WestJet donates 737-200 aircraft to BCIT Aerospace |url=https://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml |website=BCIT|access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703001512/http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml |archive-date=July 3, 2004|date=October 1, 2003}}</ref>
*737-290C N740AS, formerly of ], is preserved at the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage, Alaska.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alaskaairmuseum.org/planes-museum/|title=Alaska Aviation Museum|work=Alaska Aviation Museum|accessdate=1 April 2015}}</ref>
* 21340/499: 737-2H4 registered N29SW on static display at the ] in ]. It was formerly operated by ] and prior to that ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737-200|url=http://kansasaviationmuseum.org/visit/aircraft/boeing-737-200|website=Kansas Aviation Museum|access-date=March 24, 2017|date=June 11, 2014|archive-date=January 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121141528/http://kansasaviationmuseum.org/visit/aircraft/boeing-737-200/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*737-281 LV-WTX is displayed at the ] in Morón, Argentina.<ref>{{cite web|title=Picture of the Boeing 737-281/Adv aircraft|url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aerolineas-Argentinas/Boeing-737-281-Adv/2080776/&sid=4797ba2105e9662e37f21b14c149bf3b|publisher=Airliners.net}}</ref>
* 21712/557: 737-275 registered C-GIPW preserved in operational condition at ] in ], ]. Painted in ] livery.{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
*737-2H4(A) C-GWJT is used by the ] Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, for ground instructional training and static public display. The aircraft was donated by ] and bears it livery. It was towed from the adjacent YVR ] via the public Russ Baker Way road, which was closed to traffic and had light standards temporarily removed. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml|title=WestJet donates 737-200 aircraft to BCIT Aerospace|deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041208024713/http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease100103101.shtml |archivedate=December 8, 2004 |df=mdy }}</ref>
* 22578/767: 737-290C registered N740AS on static display at the ] in ]. It was formerly operated by ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Alaska Aviation Museum, Lake Hood, Anchorage |url=https://www.rodbearden.com/Alaska%202022/Alaska%20Aviation%20Museum/Index.htm#Boeing%20737-290C-Adv%20Alaska%20Airlines%20N740AS%2010 |website=Rod's Aviation Photos |access-date=30 November 2024 |date=5 May 2022}}</ref>
*737-219/Adv ZS-SMD is preserved at the ] in ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saamuseum.co.za/our-aircraft/102.html|title=Boeing 737-219 Advanced ZS-SMD|work=SAA Museum Society|accessdate=16 October 2016}}</ref>
* 22826/878: 737-2H4 registered YV1361 preserved at a hotel in ], ]. It was formerly operated by ].{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
*737-3H4 N300SW is on display in its ] livery at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightmuseum.com/exhibits/aircraft-3/boeing-737-300/|title=Boeing 737-300|work=Frontiers of Flight Museum|accessdate=17 October 2016}}</ref>
* 23059/980: 737-2Z6 registered 22–222 on static display at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE MUSEUM, DON MUEANG |url=http://media.wix.com/ugd/3b4903_e391b568c5ec448085dad18a1ecde460.pdf |access-date=March 24, 2017 |date=December 26, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304114831/http://media.wix.com/ugd/3b4903_e391b568c5ec448085dad18a1ecde460.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
*737-3Q8 B-2921 is on display outside at the ] in ] markings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/boeing|title=737-300|work=Pima Air & Space Museum|accessdate=16 October 2016}}</ref>
* 22940/1037: 737-3H4 registered N300SW on static display at the ] in ]. It was the first such aircraft delivered to ] in November 1984.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boeing 737-300|url=http://www.flightmuseum.com/aircraft-3/boeing-737-300|website=Frontiers of Flight Museum|access-date=March 24, 2017|date=June 23, 2012|archive-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325025550/http://www.flightmuseum.com/aircraft-3/boeing-737-300/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 23257/1124: 737-301 registered PK-AWU on static display at ] in ].{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
* 23472/1194: 737-219 registered ZS-SMD on static display at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pukeko |url=http://www.saamuseum.co.za/our-aircraft/102.html |website=SAA Museum Society |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215032054/http://saamuseum.co.za/our-aircraft/102.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
* 23660/1294: 737-377 registered G-CELS (nickname Elsie) on static display at Norwich International Aviation Academy, as an aircraft maintenance trainer. It is painted in the silver & red ] color scheme, without the logo branding.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.civilianaviation.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=26336 |title=Civilian Aviation • Home to the Civil Aviation Enthusiast • View topic – G-CELS Boeing 737-300 |website=www.civilianaviation.co.uk |language=en-gb |access-date=March 17, 2018 |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317233014/http://www.civilianaviation.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=26336 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* 27286/2528: 737-3Q8 registered N759BA on static display at the ] in ]. It is painted in ] markings, and was previously operated by the airline as B-2921.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing 737-3Q8 |url=https://pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/boeing-737-300/ |website=Pima Air & Space Museum |access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref>


==Specifications== == Specifications ==
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
{| class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="text-align: center"
|+Boeing 737 Characteristics<ref name=Boeing_airp_report>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |title= Boeing 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |publisher= Boeing Commercial Airplanes |date= September 2013}}</ref>
|+Boeing 737 characteristics<ref name=Boeing_airp_report>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |title= Boeing 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |publisher= Boeing Commercial Airplanes |date= September 2013 |access-date= February 7, 2015 |archive-date= February 7, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150207152159/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
! Variant ! Variant
! 737-100 ! 737-100
Line 528: Line 567:
! ] ! ]
! ] ! ]
! ]<ref name=MAXbrochure>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737MAXbrochure.pdf |title= 737 MAX Airport Compatibility Brochure |publisher= ] |date= March 2014}}</ref> ! ]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737max/#/technical-specs |title= 737 MAX |at= Technical Specs |publisher= Boeing |access-date= December 10, 2016 |archive-date= November 27, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181127192716/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737max/#/technical-specs |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737MaxBrochure.pdf |title= 737 MAX Airport Compatibility Brochure |publisher= ] |date= June 2017 |access-date= April 17, 2018 |archive-date= September 28, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180928230121/http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/commercial/airports/acaps/737MAXbrochure.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
|- |-
! Cockpit crew ! Cockpit crew
| colspan=6 | Two | colspan=6 |Two
|- |-
! 2-class seats ! 2-class ]
| 85 : 12F 73Y | 85: 12F 73Y
| 102 : 14F@38" 88Y@34" | 102: 14F@38" 88Y@34"
| 126/147/110 | 126/147/110
| 108/128/160/177 | 108/128/160/177
| 138/162/180<ref name=MAXcharacteristics/> | 138/162/178/188
|- |-
! 1-class seats ! 1-class ]
| 103@34" - 118@30" | 103@34" 118@30"
| 115@34" - 130@30" | 115@34" 130@30"
| 140-149/159-168/122-132 | 140+/159-168/122-132
| 123-130/140-148/175-184/177-215 | 123-130/140+/175+/177-215
| 153/178/193/204
| 156-172/184-200/204-220<ref name=MAXcharacteristics/>
|- |-
! Exit Limit ! Exit limit
| 124 | 124
| 136 | 136
| 149/188/145 | 149/188/145
| 149/149/189/220 | 149/149/189/220
| 172/200/220/230
|
|- |-
! Length ! Length
| {{cvt|94|ft}}
| 94ft / 28.65m
| {{cvt|100|ft|2|in}}
| 100ft 2in / 30.53m
| {{cvt|102|–|120|ft}}
| 102-120ft / 31-36.4m
| {{cvt|102|–|138|ft}}
| 102-138ft / 31.24-42.11 m
| {{cvt|35.56|–|43.8|m|ft|order=flip}}
| 117-138ft / 35.6-42.2 m
|- |-
! Span !]
| colspan=2| 93ft / 28.35m | colspan=2| {{cvt|93|ft}}
| 94 ft 9 in / 28.9 m | {{cvt|94|ft|9|in}}
| 112 ft 7 in / 34.32 m<br/>winglets: 117ft 5in / 35.79m | {{cvt|112|ft|7|in}} <br />winglets: {{cvt|117|ft|5|in}}
| 117 ft 10 in / 35.9 m | {{cvt|117|ft|10|in}}
|- |-
! Wing area<ref name=elsevier>{{cite web |url= http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-2/table.htm |title= Civil jet aircraft design |at= Boeing Aircraft |publisher= Elsevier |author= Butterworth-Heinemann |date= 2001}}</ref> !]<ref name=elsevier>{{cite web |url= http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-2/table.htm |title= Civil jet aircraft design |at= Boeing Aircraft |publisher= Elsevier |author= Butterworth-Heinemann |date= 2001 |access-date= December 10, 2016 |archive-date= January 27, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170127203610/http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780340741528/appendices/data-a/table-2/table.htm |url-status= live}}</ref>
| colspan=3 | {{convert|91.04|m2|sqft|abbr=on|order=flip}} | colspan=3 |{{cvt|91.04|m2|order=flip}}, 25° sweep
| colspan=2 | {{convert|124.60|m2|sqft|abbr=on|order=flip}} | {{cvt|124.60|m2|order=flip}}
| {{cvt|1370|sqft|m2}}<!-- 155.81 in Mean Aerodynamic Chord * 117.83 ft wingspan – 12.333 ft fuselage width --><ref name=FAAcert />
|-
! Wing sweep<ref name=elsevier/>
| colspan=5 | 25 degrees
|- |-
! Height ! Height
| colspan=2| 37ft / 11.3m | colspan=2| {{cvt|37|ft}}
| 36 ft 6 in / 11.1 m | {{cvt|36|ft|6|in}}
| 41 ft / 12.6 m | {{cvt|41|ft}}
| 40 ft 4 in / 12.3 m | {{cvt|40|ft|4|in}}
|- |-
! Width
! Cabin width
| colspan=5 | 139.2in / 3.54m | colspan=5 |]: {{Convert|148|in|m}}, Cabin: {{Convert|139.2|in|m}}
|- |-
! ]
! Fuselage width
| {{cvt|650|ft3}}
| colspan=5 | 148in / 3.76m
| {{cvt|875|ft3}}
|-
| {{cvt|882|-|1,373|ft3|m3|disp=br}}
! Cargo
| {{cvt|720|-|1,826|ft3|m3|disp=br}}
| 650ft³ / 18.4m³
| {{cvt|1,543|-|1,814|ft3|m3|disp=br}}
| 875ft³ / 24.8m³
| 882-1,373 ft³ / 23.3-38.9m³
| 720-1,826 ft³ / 20.4-51.7 m³
| 1,543-1,814 ft³ / 43.7-51.4 m3
|- |-
! ] ! ]
| {{cvt|110,000|lb|disp=br()}}
| 110,000lb / 49,895kg
| {{cvt|128,100|lb|disp=br()}}
| 128,100lb / 58,105kg
| 133,500-150,000lb / 60,550-68,040kg | {{cvt|133,500|-|150,000|lb|disp=br()}}
| 144,500-187,700 lb / 65,544-85,139 kg | {{cvt|144,500|-|187,700|lb|disp=br()}}
| 177,000-194,700 lb / 80,286-88,314 kg | {{cvt|177,000|-|194,700|lb|disp=br()}}
|- |-
! ] ! ]
| {{cvt|62,000|lb|disp=br()}}
| 62,000lb / 28,123kg
| {{cvt|65,300|lb|disp=br()}}
| 65,300lb / 29,620kg
| 70,440-76,760lb / 31,950-34,820kg | {{cvt|70,440|-|76,760|lb|disp=br()}}
| 80,200-98,495 lb / 36,378-44,677 kg | {{cvt|80,200|-|98,495|lb|disp=br()}}
| MAX&nbsp;8: 99,360&nbsp;lb<br />(45,070&nbsp;kg)<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/commercial/airports/acaps/737MAX_RevA.pdf |title= 737 MAX Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |date= August 2017 |publisher= Boeing |access-date= December 3, 2018 |archive-date= October 23, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171023010601/http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/commercial/airports/acaps/737MAX_RevA.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
|
|- |-
! Fuel capacity ! ]
| {{cvt|4720|USgal|L}}
| 4,720US gal / 17,865L
| 5,970US gal / 22,596L{{efn|With 810 gal / 3,065 L auxiliary fuel tank}} | {{cvt|5970|USgal|L}}{{efn|With {{cvt|810|USgal|L}} auxiliary fuel tank}}
| {{cvt|5311|USgal|L}}
| 5,311USgal / 20,100L
| {{cvt|6875|-|7837|USgal|L}}
| 6,875-7,837 US gal / 26,022-29,666 L
| {{cvt|6853|USgal|L}}
| 6,853 US gal (25,941 L)
|- |-
! ]
! Cruise
| colspan=3 |{{Convert|0.745-0.82|Mach|altitude_ft=37000|knots km/h mph|0}} Cruise—MMO<ref name=FAAcert>{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/8fcf1d1d82007a9e8625823d00778f99/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_61.pdf |title= Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A16WE |date= February 15, 2018 |publisher= FAA |access-date= April 17, 2018 |archive-date= April 18, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031822/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/8fcf1d1d82007a9e8625823d00778f99/$FILE/A16WE_Rev_61.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
| colspan=3 | {{convert|0.745|Mach|37000|knots km/h|0}}
| colspan=2 | {{convert|0.785|Mach|37000|knots km/h|0}} | colspan=2 |{{Convert|0.785|Mach|altitude_ft=37000|knots km/h mph|0}} Cruise
|- |-
! Takeoff{{efn|MTOW, Sea Level, International Standard Atmosphere}}
! MMO<ref name=FAAcert>{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/cb5a51687a9853cd86257fcb0064c0a9/$FILE/A16WE_Rev56.pdf |title= Type Certificate Data Sheet |publisher= FAA |date= June 3, 2016}}</ref>
|
| colspan=4 | {{convert|0.82|Mach|37000|knots km/h|0}}
| {{cvt|1859|m|order=flip}}<ref name=elsevier />
| {{cvt|7,500|-|8,690|ft|m|disp=br}}<ref name=ClassicSpecs />
| {{cvt|1878|-|2316|m|ft|disp=br|order=flip}}<ref name=elsevier />
| |
|-
! Takeoff{{efn|MTOW, Sea Level, International Standard Atmosphere}}
|
| {{convert|1859|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=elsevier/>
| 7,500-8,690ft / 2,286-2,649m<ref name=ClassicSpecs/>
| {{convert|1878|-|2316|m|ft|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=elsevier/>
|
|- |-
! Range ! Range
| {{cvt|1,540|nmi}}{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
| 1540nmi / 2855km<ref name=airlinersSpecs/>
| {{convert|2600|nmi|km|abbr=on}}{{efn|120 passengers}}<ref name=startup>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-200-passenger.pdf |title= 737-200 |publisher= Boeing |work= Startup |date= 2007}}</ref> | {{cvt|2600|nmi}}{{efn|120 passengers}}<ref name=startup>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-200-passenger.pdf |title= 737-200 |publisher= Boeing |work= Startup |date= 2007 |access-date= July 30, 2016 |archive-date= October 5, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161005114227/http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-200-passenger.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
| {{convert|2,060|-|2,375|nmi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=ClassicSpecs>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-classic-passenger.pdf |title= 737-300/-400/-500 |date= 2007 |publisher= Boeing |work= startup}}</ref> | {{cvt|2,060|-|2,375|nmi|disp=br()}}<ref name=ClassicSpecs>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-classic-passenger.pdf |title= 737-300/-400/-500 |date= 2007 |publisher= Boeing |work= startup |access-date= December 10, 2016 |archive-date= May 18, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170518224448/http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-classic-passenger.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>
| {{convert|2,935|-|3,010|nmi|km|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-revises-obsolete-performance-assumptions-415293/ |title= Boeing revises "obsolete" performance assumptions |date= 3 August 2015 |work= Flight Global}}</ref> | {{cvt|2,935|-|3,010|nmi|disp=br()}}<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-revises-obsolete-performance-assumptions-415293/ |title= Boeing revises "obsolete" performance assumptions |date= August 3, 2015 |work= Flight Global |access-date= December 10, 2016 |archive-date= October 5, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161005091044/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-revises-obsolete-performance-assumptions-415293/ |url-status= live}}</ref>
| {{cvt|3,300|-|3,850|nmi|disp=br()}}
| {{convert|3,515|-|3,825|nmi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=MAXcharacteristics>{{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737max/#/design-highlights/characteristics/ |title= Boeing 737 MAX characteristics |publisher= ]}}</ref>
|- |-
! Ceiling<ref name=FAAcert/> ! ]<ref name=FAAcert />
| colspan=3| {{convert|37000|ft|m|-2|abbr=on}} | colspan=3| {{cvt|37000|ft|-2}}
| {{convert|41000|ft|m|-2|abbr=on}} | colspan=2| {{cvt|41000|ft|-2}}
|
|- |-
! Engines (×2) !] (×2)
| colspan=2| ]-7/-9/-5/-17 | colspan=2| ]-7/-9/-15/-17
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
| ] | ]
|- |-
! Thrust (×2) !] (×2)
| {{cvt|14,000|lbf|kN}}{{Cn|date=August 2024}}
| 14,000lbf / 62.3kN<ref name=airlinersSpecs>{{cite web |url= http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/boeing-737-100200/91 |work= The International Directory of Civil Aircraft |author= Gerard Frawley |title= Boeing 737-100/200 Technical data & specifications }}</ref>
| {{convert|14500|-|16400|lbf|kN|abbr=on}}<ref name=startup/> | {{cvt|14500|-|16400|lbf|kN|disp=br()}}<ref name=startup />
| {{convert|20000|-|23500|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} | {{cvt|20000|-|23500|lbf|kN|disp=br()}}
| {{convert|20000|-|26000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} | {{cvt|20000|-|27000|lbf|kN|disp=br()}}
| up to {{convert|28000|lbf|kN|0|abbr=on}} | up to {{cvt|29300|lbf|kN|0}}
|} |}
{{notelist}} {{Notelist}}


== See also ==
]
{| class="wikitable"
|+Boeing 737 variants
|-
!] code<ref name=ICAOcode>{{cite web|authorlink1=ICAO|title=DOC 8643 - Aircraft Type Designators|url=http://www.icao.int/publications/DOC8643/Pages/default.aspx|website=ICAO Publications|publisher=]|accessdate={{date|2014-11-22}}|date=22 November 2014}}</ref>
!Model(s)
|-
|B731
|737-100
|-
|B732
|737-200/CT-43/VC-96
|-
|B733
|737-300
|-
|B734
|737-400
|-
|B735
|737-500
|-
|B736
|737-600
|-
|B737
|737-700/BBJ/C-40
|-
|B738
|737-800/BBJ2
|-
|B739
|737-900/BBJ3
|}

==See also==
{{aircontent {{aircontent
|see also= |see also=
* ]
|related= |related=
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
{{div col end}}
|similar aircraft= |similar aircraft=
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]M
* ]
* ]D * ]D
{{div col end}}
|lists= |lists=
}} }}


==References== == References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|25em}}
{{Reflist}}


;Bibliography === Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}} {{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wmuPXQuZnGoC|title=Understanding Flight|last2=Eberhardt|first2=and Scott|publisher=McGraw Hill Professional|year=2009|location=Chicago|ref=harv|last1=Anderson|first1=David F.|ISBN=978-0-07-162696-5}} * {{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=David F. |last2=Eberhardt |first2=Scott |year=2009 |title=Understanding Flight |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wmuPXQuZnGoC |location=Chicago |publisher=McGraw Hill Professional |isbn=978-0-07-162696-5 |access-date=October 14, 2015 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016201845/https://books.google.com/books?id=wmuPXQuZnGoC |url-status=live}}
* {{cite book |last1=Brady |first1= Chris |date=October 17, 2014 |title=The Boeing 737 Technical Guide (Pocket Budget Version) |publisher=Lulu Enterprises |isbn=978-1-291-77318-7}}{{verify-inline|date=April 2022}}<!-- This ISBN does not render. Try looking at the WorldCat link {{OCLC|1100703617}} it gives the year, and nothing more-->
* {{cite book|title=Boeing Aircraft since 1916|last=Bowers|first=Peter M.|publisher=Naval Institute Press|year=1989|location=Annapolis, Maryland|ref=harv|ISBN=0-87021-037-8}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Brady |first1= Chris |year=2017 |title=The Boeing 737 Technical Guide |location=Kingsley, Frodsham, Cheshire, UK |publisher=Tech Pilot Services |isbn=978-1-4475-3273-6}}
* {{cite book|title=The Illustrated Directory of Modern Commercial Aircraft|last=Endres|first=Günter|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|year=2001|location=St. Paul, Minnesota|ref=harv|ISBN=0-7603-1125-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Bowers |first=Peter M. |year=1989 |title=Boeing Aircraft Since 1916 |location=Annapolis, Md. |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=978-0-87021-037-2}}
* {{cite book|title=Boeing: Planemaker to the World|last2=Yenne|first2=Bill|publisher=Thunder Bay Press|year=1997|location=Berkeley, California|ref=harv|last1=Redding|first1=Robert|ISBN=1-57145-045-9}}
* {{cite book|title=Boeing 737-100 and 200|last2=Shaw|first2=Robbie|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|year=2001|location=St. Paul, Minnesota|ref=harv|last1=Sharpe|first1=Michael|ISBN=0-7603-0991-4}} * {{cite book |last=Endres |first=Günter |year=2001 |title=The Illustrated Directory of Modern Commercial Aircraft |location=St. Paul, Minn. |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-7603-1125-7}}
* {{cite book |last=Garvin |first=Robert V. |year=1998 |title=Starting Something Big: The Commercial Emergence of GE Aircraft Engines |location=Reston, VA |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |isbn=1-56347-289-9}}
* {{cite book|title=Boeing Jetliners|last=Shaw|first=Robbie|publisher=Osprey|year=1995|location=London, England|ref=harv|ISBN=1-85532-528-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Redding |first1=Robert |last2=Yenne |first2=Bills |year=1997 |title=Boeing: Planemaker to the World |location=Berkeley, Cal. |publisher=Thunder Bay Pres |isbn=978-1-57145-045-6}}
* {{cite book|title=Boeing 737-300 to 800|last=Shaw|first=Robbie|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|year=1999|location=St. Paul, Minnesota|ref=harv|ISBN=0-7603-0699-0}}
* {{cite book |last1=Sharpe |first1=Michael |last2=Shaw |first2=Robbie |year=2001 |title=Boeing 737-100 and 200 |location=St. Paul, Minn. |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-7603-0991-9 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/boeing737100200a00mich}}
* {{cite book|title=747: Creating the World's First Jumbo Jet and Other Adventures from a Life in Aviation|last=Sutter|first=Joe|publisher=Smithsonian Books|year=2006|location=Washington, D.C.|ref=harv|ISBN=0-06-088242-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Shaw |first=Robbie |year=1995 |title=Boeing Jetliners |location=London |publisher=Osprey Aerospace |isbn=978-1-85532-528-9}}
{{refend}}
* {{cite book |last=Shaw |first=Robbie |year=1999 |title=Boeing 737-300 to -800 |location=St. Paul, Minnesota |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-7603-0699-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Sutter |first=Joe |year=2006 |title=747: Creating the World's First Jumbo Jet and Other Adventures from a Life in Aviation |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Smithsonian Books |isbn=978-0-06-088242-6}}
{{Refend}}


==External links== == External links ==
{{Commons}}
{{commons|Boeing 737}}
* *
* *
* {{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-200-passenger.pdf |title= 737-200 |date= 2007 |publisher= Boeing}} * {{cite web |url= http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/company/about_bca/startup/pdf/historical/737-200-passenger.pdf |title= 737-200 |date= 2007 |publisher= Boeing}}


<!-- spacing, please do not remove -->
{{Boeing airliners}} {{Boeing airliners}}
{{Boeing 737 family}}
{{Boeing 7x7 timeline}} {{Boeing 7x7 timeline}}
{{Boeing model numbers}} {{Boeing model numbers}}
{{Thai transport aircraft designations}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}


{{Authority control}}

]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 21:41, 5 January 2025

Single-aisle airliner family by Boeing For variants of this aircraft, see Boeing 737 Classic, Boeing 737 Next Generation, and Boeing 737 MAX.

Boeing 737
A Boeing 737-200, the first mass-produced 737 model, in operation with South African Airlink in 2007
General information
RoleNarrow-body airliner
National originUnited States
ManufacturerBoeing
StatusIn service
Primary usersSouthwest Airlines
Number built11,907 as of November 2024
History
Manufactured1966–present
Introduction dateFebruary 10, 1968, with Lufthansa
First flightApril 9, 1967; 57 years ago (1967-04-09)
VariantsBoeing T-43
Developed into

The Boeing 737 is an American narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing at its Renton factory in Washington. Developed to supplement the Boeing 727 on short and thin routes, the twinjet retained the 707 fuselage width and six abreast seating but with two underwing Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines. Envisioned in 1964, the initial 737-100 made its first flight in April 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa. The lengthened 737-200 entered service in April 1968, and evolved through four generations, offering several variants for 85 to 215 passengers.

The First Generation 737-100/200 variants were powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines and offered seating for 85 to 130 passengers. Launched in 1980 and introduced in 1984, the Second Generation 737 Classic -300/400/500 variants were upgraded with more fuel-efficient CFM56-3 high-bypass turbofans and offered 110 to 168 seats. Introduced in 1997, the Third Generation 737 Next Generation (NG) -600/700/800/900 variants have updated CFM56-7 high-bypass turbofans, a larger wing and an upgraded glass cockpit, and seat 108 to 215 passengers. The latest, and Fourth Generation, the 737 MAX -7/8/9/10 variants, powered by improved CFM LEAP-1B high-bypass turbofans and accommodating 138 to 204 people, entered service in 2017. Boeing Business Jet versions have been produced since the 737NG, as well as military models.

As of November 2024, 16,725 Boeing 737s have been ordered and 11,907 delivered. Initially, its main competitor was the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, followed by its MD-80/MD-90 derivatives. In 2013, the global 737 fleet had completed more than 184 million flights over 264 million block hours since its entry into service. It was the highest-selling commercial aircraft until being surpassed by the competing Airbus A320 family in October 2019, but maintains the record in total deliveries. The 737 MAX, designed to compete with the A320neo, was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and November 2020 following two fatal crashes.

Development

Initial design

1964 concept with tail mounted engines

Boeing had been studying short-haul jet aircraft designs, and saw a need for a new aircraft to supplement the 727 on short and thin routes. Preliminary design work began on May 11, 1964, based on research that indicated a market for a fifty to sixty passenger airliner flying routes of 50 to 1,000 miles (100 to 1,600 km).

The initial concept featured podded engines on the aft fuselage, a T-tail as with the 727, and five-abreast seating. Engineer Joe Sutter relocated the engines to the wings which lightened the structure and simplified the accommodation of six-abreast seating in the fuselage. The engine nacelles were mounted directly to the underside of the wings, without pylons, allowing the landing gear to be shortened, thus lowering the fuselage to improve baggage and passenger access. Relocating the engines from the aft fuselage also allowed the horizontal stabilizer to be attached to the aft fuselage instead of as a T-tail. Many designs for the engine attachment strut were tested in the wind tunnel and the optimal shape for high speed was found to be one which was relatively thick, filling the narrow channels formed between the wing and the top of the nacelle, particularly on the outboard side.

October 18, 1966, Jet aircraft patent, filed June 22, 1965, by John Steiner and Joe Sutter for Boeing

At the time, Boeing was far behind its competitors; the SE 210 Caravelle had been in service since 1955, and the BAC One-Eleven (BAC-111), Douglas DC-9, and Fokker F28 were already into flight certification. To expedite development, Boeing used 60% of the structure and systems of the existing 727, particularly the fuselage, which differs in length only. This 148-inch (3.76 m) wide fuselage cross-section permitted six-abreast seating compared to the rivals' five-abreast. The 727's fuselage was derived from the 707.

The proposed wing airfoil sections were based on those of the 707 and 727, but somewhat thicker; altering these sections near the nacelles achieved a substantial drag reduction at high Mach numbers. The engine chosen was the Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1 low-bypass ratio turbofan engine, delivering 14,500 pounds-force (64 kN) of thrust.

The concept design was presented in October 1964 at the Air Transport Association maintenance and engineering conference by chief project engineer Jack Steiner, where its elaborate high-lift devices raised concerns about maintenance costs and dispatch reliability.

Major design developments

A comparison of the first three generations

The original 737 continued to be developed into thirteen passenger, cargo, corporate and military variants. These were later divided into what has become known as the four generations of the Boeing 737 family:

  • The first generation "Original" series: the 737-100 and -200, also the military T-43 and CT-43, launched February 1965.
  • The second generation "Classic" series: 737-300, -400 and -500, launched in 1979.
  • The third generation "Next Generation" series: 737-600, -700, -800 and -900, also the military C-40 and P-8, launched late 1993.
  • The fourth generation 737 MAX series: 737-7, -8, -9 and -10, launched August 2011.

Launch

The launch decision for the $150 million (~$1.11 billion in 2023) development was made by the board on February 1, 1965. The sales pitch was big-jet comfort on short-haul routes.

Lufthansa became the launch customer on February 19, 1965, with an order for 21 aircraft, worth $67 million (~$494 million in 2023) after the airline had been assured by Boeing that the 737 project would not be canceled. Consultation with Lufthansa over the previous winter had resulted in the seating capacity being increased to 100.

On April 5, 1965, Boeing announced an order by United Airlines for 40 737s. United wanted a slightly larger capacity than the 737-100, so the fuselage was stretched 36 inches (91 cm) ahead of, and 40 inches (102 cm) behind the wing. The longer version was designated the 737-200, with the original short-body aircraft becoming the 737-100. Detailed design work continued on both variants simultaneously.

Introduction

Lufthansa 737-100 in flight
737-100 introduced by Lufthansa on February 10, 1968

The first -100 was rolled out on January 17, 1967, and took its maiden flight on April 9, 1967, piloted by Brien Wygle and Lew Wallick. After several test flights the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Type Certificate A16WE certifying the 737-100 for commercial flight on December 15, 1967. It was the first aircraft to have, as part of its initial certification, approval for Category II approaches, which refers to a precision instrument approach and landing with a decision height between 98 and 197 feet (30 and 60 m). Lufthansa received its first aircraft on December 28, 1967, and on February 10, 1968, became the first non-American airline to launch a new Boeing aircraft. Lufthansa was the only significant customer to purchase the 737-100 and only 30 aircraft were produced.

The -200 was rolled out on June 29, 1967, and had its maiden flight on August 8, 1967. It was then certified by the FAA on December 21, 1967. The inaugural flight for United Airlines took place on April 28, 1968, from Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The lengthened -200 was widely preferred over the -100 by airlines. The improved version, the 737-200 Advanced, was introduced into service by All Nippon Airways on May 20, 1971.

The 737 original model with its variants, known later as the Boeing 737 Original, initially competed with SE 210 Caravelle and BAC-111 due to their earlier entry into service and later primarily with the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, then its MD-80 derivatives as the three European short-haul single aisles slowly withdrew from the competition. Sales were low in the early 1970s and, after a peak of 114 deliveries in 1969, only 22 737s were shipped in 1972 with 19 in backlog. The US Air Force saved the program by ordering T-43s, which were modified Boeing 737-200s. African airline orders kept the production running until the 1978 US Airline Deregulation Act, which improved demand for six-abreast narrow-body aircraft. Demand further increased after being re-engined with the CFM56. The 737 went on to become the highest-selling commercial aircraft in terms of orders until surpassed by the competing Airbus A320 family in October 2019, but maintains the record in total deliveries.

The fuselage is manufactured in Wichita, Kansas, by Boeing spin-off company Spirit AeroSystems, before being moved by rail to Renton. The Renton factory has three assembly lines for the 737 MAX; a fourth is planned to open at the Everett factory in 2024.

Generations and variants

737 Original (first generation)

The Boeing 737 Original is the name given to the -100/200 and -200 Advanced series of the Boeing 737 family.

737-100

A Lufthansa Boeing 737-100 at Zurich Airport in 1981

The initial model was the 737-100, the smallest variant of the 737 aircraft family, which was launched in February 1965 and entered service with Lufthansa in February 1968. In 1968, its unit cost was US$3.7M (1968), $32.4M today. A total of 30 737-100s were ordered: 22 by Lufthansa, 5 by Malaysia–Singapore Airlines (MSA) and 2 by Avianca with the final commercial aircraft delivered to MSA on October 31, 1969. This variant was largely overshadowed by its bigger 737-200 sibling, which entered service two months later.

The original engine nacelles incorporated thrust reversers taken from the 727 outboard nacelles. They proved to be relatively ineffective and tended to lift the aircraft up off the runway when deployed. This reduced the downforce on the main wheels thereby reducing the effectiveness of the wheel brakes. In 1968, an improvement to the thrust reversal system was introduced. A 48-inch tailpipe extension was added and new target-style thrust reversers were incorporated. The thrust reverser doors were set 35 degrees away from the vertical to allow the exhaust to be deflected inboard and over the wings and outboard and under the wings. The improvement became standard on all aircraft after March 1969, and a retrofit was provided for active aircraft. Longer nacelle/wing fairings were introduced, and the airflow over the flaps and slats was improved. The production line also introduced an improvement to the flap system, allowing increased use during takeoff and landing. All these changes gave the aircraft a boost to payload and range, and improved short-field performance.

Both the first and last 737-100s became the last 737-100s in service. The first aircraft used by Boeing as prototype under registration N73700 was later ordered by and delivered to NASA on July 26, 1973, which then operated it under registration N515NA and retired after 30 years on September 27, 2003. The last 737-100 built and also the last operating was originally sold to Malaysia–Singapore Airlines: it was transferred to Air Florida before being used as a VIP aircraft by the Mexican Air Force for 23 years under registration TP-03. TP-03 would be broken up in 2006. The first 737-100, NASA 515, is on static display in the Museum of Flight in Seattle and is the last surviving example of the type.

737-200

A 737-200 of its launch customer, United Airlines. The -200 was one of the most popular variants sold, with 1095 units.

The 737-200 was a 737-100 with an extended fuselage, launched by an order from United Airlines in 1965 and entered service with the launch customer in April 1968. Its unit cost was US$4.0M (1968) ($35M today). The -200's unit cost was US$5.2M (1972) ($37.9M today). The 737-200 Advanced is an improved version of the -200, introduced into service by All Nippon Airways on May 20, 1971. After aircraft #135, the 737-200 Advanced has improved aerodynamics, automatic wheel brakes, more powerful engines, more fuel capacity, and hence a 15% increase in payload and range over the original -200s and respectively -100s. The 737-200 Advanced became the production standard in June 1971. Boeing also provided the 737-200C (Combi), which allowed for conversion between passenger and cargo use and the 737-200QC (Quick Change), which facilitated a rapid conversion between roles. The 1,114th and last delivery of a -200 series aircraft was in August 1988 to Xiamen Airlines.

Nineteen 737-200s, designated T-43, were used to train aircraft navigators for the U.S. Air Force. Some were modified into CT-43s, which are used to transport passengers, and one was modified as the NT-43A Radar Test Bed. The first was delivered on July 31, 1973, and the last on July 19, 1974. The Indonesian Air Force ordered three modified 737-200s, designated Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller. They were used as Maritime reconnaissance (MPA)/transport aircraft, fitted with SLAMMAR (Side-looking Multi-mission Airborne Radar). The aircraft were delivered between May 1982 and October 1983.After 40 years, in March 2008, the final 737-200 aircraft in the U.S. flying scheduled passenger service were phased out, with the last flights of Aloha Airlines. As of 2018, the variant still saw regular service through North American charter operators such as Sierra Pacific Airlines.

An Air North 737-200 fitted with a gravel kit.

The short-field capabilities of the 737-200 led Boeing to offer the "Unpaved Strip Kit" (see the Air North example, right). This option reduced foreign object damage when operated on remote, unimproved or unpaved runways, that competing jetliners could not use safely. The kit included a gravel deflector on the nose gear and a vortex dissipator extending from the front of the engine. Alaska Airlines used the gravel kit for some of its combi aircraft rural operations in Alaska until retiring its -200 fleet in 2007. Air Inuit, Nolinor Aviation and Chrono Aviation still use the gravel kit in Northern Canada. Canadian North also operated a gravel-kitted 737-200 Combi, but this was due to be retired in early 2023.

As of September 2023, a relatively high number of 737-200s remain in service compared to other early jet airliners, with fifty examples actively flying for thirty carriers. During the 737 MAX groundings, older 737s, including the 200 and Classic series, were in demand for leasing. C-GNLK, one of Nolinor's 737-200s, is the oldest jet airliner in commercial service as of 2024, having entered service 50 years prior in 1974.

737 Classic (second generation)

Main article: Boeing 737 Classic

The Boeing 737 Classic is the name given to the 737-300/400/500 series after the introduction of the -600/700/800/900 series of the Boeing 737 family. Produced from 1984 to 2000, a total of 1,988 Classic series were delivered.

Close to the next major upgrade of single aisle aircraft at Airbus and Boeing, the price of jet fuel reached a peak in 2008, when airlines devoted 40% of the retail price of an air ticket to pay for fuel, versus 15% in 2000. Consequently, in that year carriers retired Boeing 737 Classic aircraft to reduce fuel consumption; replacements consisted of more efficient 737 Next Generation or A320 family aircraft. On June 4, 2008, United Airlines announced it would retire all 94 of its Classic 737 aircraft (64 737-300 and 30 737-500 aircraft), replacing them with A320 family jets taken from its Ted subsidiary, which has been shut down. This intensified the competition between the two giant aircraft manufacturers, which has since become a duopoly competition.

An optional upgrade with winglets became available for the Classic and NG series.

  • The 737-300 and 737-500 can be retrofitted with Aviation Partners Boeing winglets, and the 737-300 retrofitted with winglets is designated the -300SP (Special Performance).
  • WestJet was to launch the 737-600 with winglets, but dropped them in 2006.

737-300

A 737-300 with larger CFM56 turbofans, introduced by USAir on November 28, 1984. This aircraft would later crash as USAir Flight 427.

Development began in 1979 for the 737's first major revision, which was originally introduced as the 'new generation' of the 737. Boeing wanted to increase capacity and range, incorporating improvements to upgrade the aircraft to modern specifications, while also retaining commonality with previous 737 variants. In 1980, preliminary aircraft specifications of the variant, dubbed 737-300, were released at the Farnborough Airshow. This first major upgrade series was later renamed 737 Classic. It competed primarily with the MD-80, its later derivative the MD-90, and the newcomer Airbus A320 family.

Boeing engineer Mark Gregoire led a design team, which cooperated with CFM International to select, modify and deploy a new engine and nacelle that would make the 737-300 into a viable aircraft. They chose the CFM56-3B-1 high-bypass turbofan engine to power the aircraft, which yielded significant gains in fuel economy and a reduction in noise, but also posed an engineering challenge, given the low ground clearance of the 737 and the larger diameter of the engine over the original Pratt & Whitney engines. Gregoire's team and CFM solved the problem by reducing the size of the fan (which made the engine slightly less efficient than it had been forecast to be), placing the engine ahead of the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides of the engine pod, giving the engine a distinctive non-circular "hamster pouch" air intake. Earlier customers for the CFM56 included the U.S. Air Force with its program to re-engine KC-135 tankers.

The passenger capacity of the aircraft was increased to 149 by extending the fuselage around the wing by 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 m). The wing incorporated several changes for improved aerodynamics. The wingtip was extended 9 inches (23 cm), and the wingspan by 1 foot 9 inches (53 cm). The leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps were adjusted. The tailfin was redesigned, the flight deck was improved with the optional EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrumentation System), and the passenger cabin incorporated improvements similar to those developed on the Boeing 757. The prototype -300, the 1,001st 737 built, first flew on February 24, 1984, with pilot Jim McRoberts. It and two production aircraft flew a nine-month-long certification program. The 737-300 retrofitted with Aviation Partners' winglets was designated the -300SP (Special Performance). The 737-300 was replaced by the 737-700 of the Next Generation series.

737-400

Stretched by 10 feet (3.0 m), the 737-400 entered service in October 1988 with Piedmont Airlines

The 737-400 was launched in 1985 to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200. In June 1986, Boeing announced the development of the 737-400, which stretched the fuselage a further 10 feet (3.0 m), increasing the capacity to 188 passengers, and requiring a tail bumper to prevent tailstrikes during take-off and a strengthened wing spar. The -400s first flight was on February 19, 1988, and, after a seven-month/500-hour flight-testing run, entered service with Piedmont Airlines that October. The last two -400s, i.e. the last 737 Classics series, were delivered to CSA Czech Airlines on February 28, 2000. The 737-400 was replaced by the 737-800 of the Next Generation series. The 737-400SF was a 737-400 converted to freighter, though it was not a model delivered by Boeing and hence the nickname Special Freighter (SF). Alaska Airlines was the first to convert one of their 400s from regular service to an aircraft with the ability to handle 10 pallets. The airline had also converted five more into fixed combi aircraft for half passenger and freight. These 737-400 Combi aircraft were retired in 2017 and replaced by the 737-700F of the Next Generation series.

737-500

A Southwest Airlines 737-500 landing in Las Vegas in April 2008

The 737-500 was offered as a modern and direct replacement of the 737-200. It was launched in 1987 by Southwest Airlines, with an order for 20 aircraft, and it flew for the first time on June 30, 1989. A single prototype flew 375 hours for the certification process, and on February 28, 1990, Southwest Airlines received the first delivery.

The -500 incorporated the improvements of the 737 Classic series, allowing longer routes with fewer passengers to be more economical than with the 737-300. The fuselage length of the 737-500 is 1 foot 7 inches (48 cm) longer than the 737-200, accommodating up to 140 passengers. Both glass and older-style mechanical cockpits arrangements were available. Using the CFM56-3 engine also gave a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the older 737-200s P&W engines. The 737-500 has faced accelerated retirement due to its smaller size, after 21 years in service compared to 24 years for the -300. While a few 737-300s were slated for freighter conversion, no demand at all existed for a -500 freighter conversion. The 737-500 was replaced by the 737-600 of the Next Generation series, though the -600 was not as successful in total orders as the -500.

737 NG (third generation)

Main article: Boeing 737 Next Generation

The Boeing 737 Next Generation, abbreviated as 737 Next Gen or 737NG, is the name given to the main models 737-600/700/800/900 series and the extended range -700ER/900ER variants of the Boeing 737 family. It has been produced since 1996 and introduced in 1997, with a total order of 7,097 aircraft, of which 7,031 have been delivered as of May 2019. The primary goal was to re-engine the 737 with the high bypass ratio CFM56-7. By the early 1990s, as the MD-80 slowly withdrew from the competition following the introduction of the MD-90, it had become clear that the new A320 family was a serious threat to Boeing's market share. Airbus won previously loyal 737 customers, such as Lufthansa and United Airlines. In November 1993, to stay in the single aisle competition, Boeing's board of directors authorized the Next Generation program to mainly upgrade the 737 Classic series. In late 1993, after engineering trade studies and discussions with major customers, Boeing proceeded to launch a second derivative of the Boeing 737, the 737 Next Generation (NG) -600/700/800/900 series. It featured a redesigned wing with a wider wingspan and larger area, greater fuel capacity, longer range and higher MTOWs. It was equipped with CFM56-7 high pressure ratio engines, a glass cockpit, and upgraded interior configurations. The four main models of the series can accommodate seating for 108 to 215 passengers. It was further developed into additional versions such as the corporate Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and military P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Following the merger between Boeing with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the primary competitor for the 737NG series remained only the A320 family.

A Scandinavian Airlines 737-600 at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on January 15, 2005

737-600

The 737-600 was the smallest of the Next-Generation models, replacing the 737-500. It had no winglets and was similar in size to the Airbus A318. Launch customer Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) placed its order in March 1995 and took the first delivery in September 1998. A total of 69 aircraft were produced, with the last one delivered to WestJet in 2006.

737-700

A KLM 737-700 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in March 2022

The 737-700, the first variant of the Next-Generation, was launched in November 1993 with an order of 63 aircraft. The -700 seats 126 passengers in a two-class or 149 passengers in a one-class layout. Launch customer Southwest Airlines took the first delivery in December 1997. The 737-700 replaced the 737-300 and competes with the Airbus A319.

The 737-700C is a convertible version where the seats can be removed to carry cargo instead. There is a large door on the left side of the aircraft. The United States Navy was the launch customer for the 737-700C under the military designation C-40 Clipper.

The 737-700ER (Extended Range) was launched on January 31, 2006, and featured the fuselage of the 737-700 and the wings and landing gear of the 737-800. A 737-700ER can typically accommodate 126 passengers in two classes with a range similar to the Airbus A319LR.

737-800

A 737-800 of United Airlines landing at San Diego International Airport in November 2010.

The 737-800 was a stretched version of the 737-700 launched on September 5, 1994. The -800 seats 162 passengers in a two-class or 189 passengers in a high-density, one-class layout. Launch customer Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUIfly) received the first one in April 1998. The -800 replaced directly the -400 and aging 727-200 of US airlines. It filled also the gap left by Boeing's decision to discontinue the MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft, following Boeing's merger with McDonnell Douglas. The 737-800 is the most widely used narrowbody aircraft and competes primarily with the Airbus A320.

737-900

A 737-900ER of Delta Airlines. This was the longest 737 variant until the 737 MAX 10 made its first flight in 2021.

The 737-900 was launched in 1997 and took its first flight on August 3, 2000. It retains the MTOW, fuel capacity, trading range for payload and also the exit configuration of the -800, limiting its seat capacity to approximately 177 in a two class and 189 in a high-density, one class layout. Launch customer Alaska Airlines received the delivery on May 15, 2001.

The 737-900ER (Extended Range) is the newest and largest variant of the 737NG generation. An additional pair of exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead increased its seating capacity to 180 passengers in a two-class and up to 220 passengers in a one-class configuration. The -900ER was introduced to meet the range and passenger capacity of the discontinued 757-200 and to directly compete with the Airbus A321.

737 MAX (fourth generation)

Main article: Boeing 737 MAX

The Boeing 737 MAX is the name given to the main models 737 MAX 7/8/9/10 series and the higher-density MAX 200 variant of the Boeing 737 family. It is offered in four main variants, typically offering 138 to 230 seats and a range of 3,215 to 3,825 nautical miles (5,954 to 7,084 km; 3,700 to 4,402 mi). The 737 MAX 7, MAX 8 (including the denser, 200-seat MAX 200), and MAX 9 replace the 737-700, -800, and -900 respectively. The further stretched 737 MAX 10 has also been added to the series. The aim was to re-engine the 737NG family using CFM LEAP-1B engines having very high bypass ratio, to compete with the Airbus A320neo family. On July 20, 2011, Boeing announced plans for a third major upgrade and respectively fourth generation of 737 series to be powered by the CFM LEAP-1B engine, with American Airlines intending to order 100 of these aircraft.

On August 30, 2011, Boeing confirmed the launch of the 737 new engine variant, to be called the Boeing 737 MAX. It was based on earlier 737 designs with more efficient LEAP-1B power plants, aerodynamic improvements (most notably split-tip winglets), and airframe modifications. It competes with the Airbus A320neo family that was launched in December 2010 and reached 1,029 orders by June 2011, breaking Boeing's monopoly with American Airlines, which had an order for 130 A320neos that July. The 737 MAX had its first flight on January 29, 2016, and gained FAA certification on March 8, 2017. The first delivery was a MAX 8 on May 6, 2017, to Lion Air's subsidiary Malindo Air, which put it into service on May 22, 2017. As of January 2019, the series has received 5,011 firm orders.

In March 2019, civil aviation authorities around the world grounded the 737 MAX following two hull loss crashes which caused 346 deaths. On December 16, 2019, Boeing announced that it would suspend production of the 737 MAX from January 2020, which was resumed in May 2020. In the midyear 2020, the FAA and Boeing conducted a series of recertification test flights. On November 18, 2020, the FAA cleared the MAX to return to service. Before the aircraft can fly again, repairs must be implemented and airlines' training programs must be approved. Passenger flights in the U.S. are expected to resume before the end of the year. Worldwide, the first airline to resume passenger service was Brazilian low-cost Gol, on December 9, 2020.

737 MAX 7

The first Boeing 737 MAX 7 produced

The 737 MAX 7, a shortened variant of the MAX 8, was originally based on the 737-700, flying 1,000 nautical miles (1,900 km; 1,200 mi) farther and accommodating two more seat rows at 18% lower fuel costs per seat. The redesign uses the 737-8 wing and landing gear; a pair of over-wing exits rather than the single-door configuration; a 46-inch-longer (1,200 mm) aft fuselage and a 30-inch-longer (760 mm) longer forward fuselage; structural re-gauging and strengthening; and systems and interior modifications to accommodate the longer length. Entry into service with launch operator Southwest Airlines was expected in January 2019, but the airline deferred these orders until 2023–2024. The 737 MAX 7 replaced the 737-700 and was predicted to carry 12 more passengers and fly 400 nautical miles (740 km; 460 mi) farther than the competing Airbus A319neo with 7% lower operating costs per seat.

737 MAX 8

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 entered service with Malindo Air (wearing Batik Air Malaysia livery).

The 737 MAX 8, the first variant of the 737 MAX, has a longer fuselage than the MAX 7. On July 23, 2013, Boeing completed the firm configuration for the 737 MAX 8. Its first commercial flight was operated by Malindo Air on May 22, 2017. The MAX 8 replaced the 737-800 and competed with the A320neo.

The 737 MAX 200, a high-density version of the 737 MAX 8, was launched in September 2014 and named for seating for up to 200 passengers in a single-class layout with slimline seats requiring an extra pair of exit doors. The MAX 200 would be 20% more cost-efficient per seat, including 5% lower operating costs than the MAX 8 and would be the most efficient narrow-body on the market when entering service. In mid-November 2018, the first MAX 200 of the 135 ordered by Ryanair rolled out, in a 197-seat configuration. It was first flown from Renton on January 13, 2019, and was due to enter service in April 2019.

737 MAX 9

A 737 MAX 9 of Kazakhstan SCAT Airlines

The 737 MAX 9, the stretched variant of the MAX 8, was launched with an order of 201 aircraft in February 2012. It made its roll-out on March 7, 2017, and first flight on April 13, 2017; It was certified by February 2018. The launch customer, Lion Air Group, took the first MAX 9 on March 21, 2018, before entering service with Thai Lion Air. The 737 MAX 9 replaced the 737-900 and competes with the Airbus A321neo.

737 MAX 10

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 during its roll out. This variant has not been certified as of 2024.

The 737 MAX 10 was proposed as a stretched MAX 9 in mid-2016, enabling seating for 230 in a single class or 189 in two-class layout, compared to 193 in two-class seating for the A321neo. The modest 66-inch (1.7 m) stretch of fuselage enables the MAX 10 to retain the existing wing and CFM Leap 1B engine from the MAX 9 with a trailing-link main landing gear as the only major change. The MAX 10 was launched on June 19, 2017, with 240 orders and commitments from more than ten customers. The variant configuration with a predicted 5% lower trip cost and seat cost compared to the A321neo was firmed up by February 2018, and by mid-2018, the critical design review was completed. The MAX 10 has a similar capacity to the A321XLR, but shorter range and much poorer field performance in smaller airports. It was unveiled in Boeing's Renton factory on November 22, 2019, and scheduled for first flight in 2020. Boeing also considered parallel development with the 757 replacement, similar to the development of the 757 and 767 in the 1970s.

In the late 2010s, Boeing worked on a medium-range Boeing New Midsize Airplane (NMA) with two variants seating 225 or 275 passengers and targeting the same market segment as the 737 MAX 10 and the Airbus A321neo. A Future Small Airplane (FSA) was also touted during this period. The NMA project was set aside in January 2020, as Boeing focused on returning the 737 MAX to service and announced that it would be taking a new approach to future projects.

Design

The 737 continued to evolve into many variants but still remains recognizable as the 737. These are divided into four generations but all are based on the same basic design.

Airframe

The fuselage cross section and nose are derived from that of the Boeing 707 and Boeing 727. Early 737 cockpits also inherited the "eyebrow windows" positioned above the main glareshield, which were a feature of the original 707 and 727 to allow for better crew visibility. Contrary to popular belief, these windows were not intended for celestial navigation (only the military T-43A had a sextant port for star navigation, which the civilian models lacked.) With modern avionics, the windows became redundant, and many pilots placed newspapers or other objects in them to block out sun glare. They were eliminated from the 737 cockpit design in 2004, although they are still installed on customer request. The eyebrow windows were sometimes removed and plugged, usually during maintenance overhauls, and can be distinguished by the metal plug which differs from the smooth metal in later aircraft that were not originally fitted with the windows.

The 737 was designed to sit relatively low to the ground to accommodate the design of smaller airports in the late 1960s which often lacked jetbridges or motorized belt loaders. The low fuselage allowed passengers to easily board from a mobile stairway or airstairs (which are still available as an option on the 737 MAX) and for luggage to be hand-lifted into the cargo holds. However, the design has proved to be an issue as the 737 has been modernized with larger and more fuel efficient engines.

The 737's main landing gear, under the wings at mid-cabin, rotates into wheel wells in the aircraft's belly. The legs are covered by partial doors, and "brush-like" seals aerodynamically smooth (or "fair") the wheels in the wells. The sides of the tires are exposed to the air in flight. "Hub caps" complete the aerodynamic profile of the wheels. It is forbidden to operate without the caps, because they are linked to the ground speed sensor that interfaces with the anti-skid brake system. The dark circles of the tires are clearly visible when a 737 takes off, or is at low altitude.

From July 2008, the steel landing gear brakes on new NGs were replaced by Messier-Bugatti carbon brakes, achieving weight savings to 550–700 pounds (250–320 kg) depending on whether standard or high-capacity brakes were equipped. On a 737-800 this gives a 0.5% improvement in fuel efficiency.

737s are not equipped with fuel dump systems. The original design was too small to require this, and adding a fuel dump system to the later, larger variants would have incurred a large weight penalty. Boeing instead demonstrated an "equivalent level of safety". Depending on the nature of the emergency, 737s either circle to burn off fuel or land overweight. If the latter is the case, the aircraft is inspected by maintenance personnel for damage and then returned to service if none is found.

  • The original 737 with JT8D engines that span the entire wing chord The original 737 with JT8D engines that span the entire wing chord
  • The 737 Classic with larger CFM56 engines mounted mostly ahead of the wing The 737 Classic with larger CFM56 engines mounted mostly ahead of the wing
  • The 737NG with improved CFM56-7 engines and redesigned larger wing The 737NG with improved CFM56-7 engines and redesigned larger wing 
  • The 737 MAX with larger CFM LEAP engines with chevrons, mounted even further ahead of the wing The 737 MAX with larger CFM LEAP engines with chevrons, mounted even further ahead of the wing

Engines

Engines on the 737 Classic series (-300, -400, -500) and Next-Generation series (-600, -700, -800, -900) do not have circular inlets like most aircraft but rather a planform on the lower side, which has been dictated largely by the need to accommodate ever larger engine diameters. The 737 Classic series featured CFM56 high bypass turbofan engines, which were 25% more efficient and also reduced noise significantly over JT8D low bypass engines used on the 737 Original series (-100 and -200), but also posed an engineering challenge given the low ground clearance of the Boeing 737 family. Boeing and engine supplier CFM International (CFMI) solved the problem by placing the engine ahead of (rather than below) the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides (rather than the bottom) of the engine pod, giving the 737 Classic and later generations a distinctive non-circular air intake.

The improved, higher pressure ratio CFM56-7 turbofan engine on the 737 Next Generation is 7% more fuel-efficient than the previous CFM56-3 on the 737 Classic with the same bypass ratio. The newest 737 variants, the 737 MAX series, feature LEAP-1B engines from CFMI with a 69 inches (1.76 m) fan diameter. These engines were expected to be 10-12% more efficient than the CFM56-7B engines on the 737 Next Generation series.

737 Original's JT8D engine with original cowling design737 Classic's CFM56-3 engine with an ovoid "hamster pouch" inlet with a flattened bottom737NG CFM56-7 engine with a more rounded inlet versus the -500 due to a redesigned fan in the engine737 MAX CFM LEAP-1B engine with 787-derived engine nacelle featuring chevrons

Flight systems

The 737 uses a hydro-mechanical flight control system, similar to the Boeing 707 and typical of the period in which the 737 was originally designed. Pilot commands are transmitted to hydraulic boosters attached to the control surfaces via steel cables that run through the fuselage and wings, rather than by the electrical fly-by-wire systems found in more recent designs like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 777.

The primary flight controls have mechanical backups. In the event of total hydraulic system failure or double engine failure, they will automatically revert to control via servo tab. In this mode, termed manual reversion, the servo tabs aerodynamically control the elevators and ailerons; these servo tabs are in turn controlled by cables running to the control yoke. The pilot's muscle forces alone control the tabs.

The 737 Next Generation series introduced a six-screen LCD glass cockpit with modern avionics but designed to retain crew commonality with previous 737 generations. The 737 MAX introduced a 4 15.1 inch landscape LCD screen cockpit manufactured by Rockwell Collins derived from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Except for the spoilers, which are fly-by-wire controlled, and all the analog instruments, which became digital, everything else is similar to the cockpits of the previous 737 generations to maintain commonality.

Original 737-200 cockpitClassic 737-300 cockpitNext Generation 737-800 cockpit737 MAX 8 cockpit

Aerodynamics

The Original -100 and -200 series were built without wingtip devices, but these were later introduced to improve fuel efficiency. The 737 has evolved four winglet types: the 737-200 Mini-winglet, 737 Classic/NG Blended Winglet, 737 Split Scimitar Winglet, and 737 MAX Advanced Technology Winglet. The 737-200 Mini-winglets are part of the Quiet Wing Corp modification kit that received certification in 2005.

Blended winglets were standard on the 737 NG since 2000 and are available for retrofit on 737 Classic models. These winglets stand approximately 8 feet (2.4 m) tall and are installed at the wing tips. They improve fuel efficiency by up to 5% through lift-induced drag reduction achieved by moderating wingtip vortices.

Split Scimitar winglets became available in 2014 for the 737-800, 737-900ER, BBJ2 and BBJ3, and in 2015 for the 737-700, 737-900 and BBJ1. Split Scimitar winglets were developed by Aviation Partners, the same Seattle-based corporation that developed the blended winglets; the Split Scimitar winglets produce up to a 5.5% fuel savings per aircraft compared to 3.3% savings for the blended winglets. Southwest Airlines flew their first flight of a 737-800 with Split Scimitar winglets on April 14, 2014. The next generation 737, 737 MAX, will feature an Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet that is produced by Boeing. The Boeing AT Winglet resembles a cross between the Blended Winglet and the Split Scimitar Winglet.

An optional Enhanced Short Runway Package was developed for use on short runways.

Blended Winglet, standard on NGs, a retrofit option for ClassicsSplit Scimitar Winglet standard on later NGsAdvanced Technology Winglet standard on MAX

Interior

The first generation Original series 737 cabin was replaced for the second generation Classic series with a design based on the Boeing 757 cabin. The Classic cabin was then redesigned once more for the third, Next Generation, 737 with a design based on the Boeing 777 cabin. Boeing later offered the redesigned Sky Interior on the NG. The principal features of the Sky Interior include sculpted sidewalls, redesigned window housings, increased headroom and LED mood lighting, larger pivot-bins based on the 777 and 787 designs and generally more luggage space, and claims to have improved cabin noise levels by 2–4 dB. The first 737 equipped Boeing Sky Interior was delivered to Flydubai in late 2010. Continental Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and TUIFly have also received Sky Interior-equipped 737s.

737 Classic interior in 3–3 economy class layoutBoeing 737NG standard interior with curved panelsBoeing 737NG Sky Interior with pivot bins and LED lighting

Other variants

737 AEW&C

The Boeing 737 AEW&C is an Airborne Early Warning and Control version of the 737-700.
Main article: Boeing 737 AEW&C

The Boeing 737 AEW&C is a 737-700IGW roughly similar to the 737-700ER. This is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) version of the 737NG. Australia is the first customer (as Project Wedgetail), followed by Turkey and South Korea.

T-43/CT-43A

Main article: Boeing T-43
The T-43 was a 737-200 used by the United States Air Force to train navigators.

The T-43 was a 737-200 modified for use by the United States Air Force for training navigators, now known as USAF combat systems officers. Informally referred to as the Gator (an abbreviation of "navigator") and "Flying Classroom", nineteen of these aircraft were delivered to the Air Training Command at Mather AFB, California during 1973 and 1974. Two additional aircraft were delivered to the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley ANGB (later Buckley AFB) and Peterson AFB, Colorado, in direct support of cadet air navigation training at the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy.

Two T-43s were later converted to CT-43As, similar to the CT-40A Clipper below, in the early 1990s and transferred to Air Mobility Command and United States Air Forces in Europe, respectively, as executive transports. A third aircraft was also transferred to Air Force Materiel Command for use as a radar test bed aircraft and was redesignated as an NT-43A. The T-43 was retired by the Air Education and Training Command in 2010 after 37 years of service.

C-40 Clipper

The Boeing C-40 Clipper is a military version of the 737-700C.
Main article: Boeing C-40 Clipper

The Boeing C-40 Clipper is a military version of the 737-700C NG. It is used by both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force, and has been ordered by the United States Marine Corps. Technically, only the Navy C-40A variant is named "Clipper", whereas the USAF C-40B/C variants are officially unnamed.

P-8 Poseidon

Main article: Boeing P-8 Poseidon
The P-8 Poseidon is a 737-800 variant for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction.

The P-8 Poseidon developed for the United States Navy by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, based on the Next Generation 737-800ERX. The P-8 can be operated in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction roles. It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys, as well as operate in conjunction with other assets such as the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)

Main article: Boeing Business Jet
BBJ cabin example

In the late 1980s, Boeing marketed the 77-33 jet, a business jet version of the 737-300. The name was short-lived. After the introduction of the Next Generation series, Boeing introduced the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) series. The BBJ1 was similar in dimensions to the 737-700 but had additional features, including stronger wings and landing gear from the 737-800, and had increased range over the other 737 models through the use of extra fuel tanks. The first BBJ rolled out on August 11, 1998, and flew for the first time on September 4.

On October 11, 1999, Boeing launched the BBJ2. Based on the 737-800, it is 19 feet 2 inches (5.84 m) longer than the BBJ1, with 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space, but has slightly reduced range. It is also fitted with auxiliary belly fuel tanks and winglets. The first BBJ2 was delivered on February 28, 2001.

Boeing's BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER. The BBJ3 has 1,120 square feet (104 m) of floor space, 35% more interior space, and 89% more luggage space than the BBJ2. It has an auxiliary fuel system, giving it a range of up to 4,725 nautical miles (8,751 km; 5,437 mi), and a Head-up display. Boeing completed the first example in August 2008. This aircraft's cabin is pressurized to a simulated 6,500-foot (2,000 m) altitude.

Boeing Converted Freighter program

The Boeing Converted Freighter program (BCF), or the 737-800BCF program, was launched by Boeing in 2016. It converts old 737-800 passenger jets to dedicated freighters. The first 737-800BCF was delivered in 2018 to GECAS, which is leased to West Atlantic. Boeing has signed an agreement with Chinese YTO Cargo Airlines to provide the airline with 737-800BCFs pending a planned program launch.

Experimental

Main article: ecoDemonstrator

Four 737 aircraft have been used in Boeing test programs. In 2012, a new 737-800 bound for American Airlines became the first ecoDemonstrator airframe in a program that continues annually into the 2020s. In conjunction with many industry partners, the program aims to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. In 2012 it tested the winglets which would eventually be used in the 737 MAX series. Testing also included a variable area exhaust nozzle, regenerative hydrogen fuel cells for electrical power, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In 2018, one of the 737 MAX 7 prototypes participated in Boeing's Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3 (QTD3) program, in which a NASA engine inlet designed to reduce engine noise was tested over an acoustic array at Moses Lake, Washington.

A 737 MAX 9 was used as the 2021 ecoDemonstrator. A new airframe in a special Alaska Airlines livery flew an extensive test program, a major part of which was the use of SAF in blends of up to 50% including a flight from Seattle to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend the United Nations COP26 Climate Change Conference. Other test areas included halon-free fire extinguisher (ground testing only), a low-profile anti-collision light, and text-based air traffic control communications. At the end of the testing the aircraft was returned to standard configuration, and was delivered to Alaska Airlines in 2022.

During October 2023 a 737 MAX 10 destined for United Airlines flew a series of test flights to compare the emissions of SAF, including the contrails, with those of conventional fuel. The emissions were measured by NASA’s Douglas DC-8 Airborne Science Lab which flew close behind the 737, which wore a special livery as part of a series of special tests named ecoDemonstrator Explorer.

Competition

Main article: Competition between Airbus A320 and Boeing 737
United Airlines Airbus A320 (front) and Boeing 737-900 on final approach
737 vs A320 family deliveries per model 1967–2018

The Boeing 737 Classic, Next Generation and MAX series have faced significant competition from the Airbus A320 family first introduced in 1988. The relatively recent Airbus A220 family now also competes against the smaller capacity end of the 737 variants. The A320 was developed to compete also with the McDonnell Douglas MD-80/90 and 95 series; the 95 later becoming the Boeing 717. Since July 2017, Airbus had a 59.4% market share of the re-engined single aisle market, while Boeing had 40.6%; Boeing had doubts on over-ordered A320neos by new operators and expected to narrow the gap with replacements not already ordered. However, in July 2017, Airbus had still 1,350 more A320neo orders than Boeing had for the 737 MAX.

Boeing delivered 8,918 of the 737 family between March 1988 and December 2018, while Airbus delivered 8,605 A320 family aircraft over a similar period since first delivery in early 1988.

Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.


Operators

Main article: List of Boeing 737 operators

The five largest operators of the Boeing 737 are Southwest Airlines (815), Ryanair (566), United Airlines (496), American Airlines (363), and Delta Air Lines (240) as of June 2024.

Usage

Civilian

The largest 737 operator is Southwest Airlines.

In 2006, over 4,500 Boeing 737s were operated by more than 500 airlines, flying to 1,200 destinations in 190 countries and on average 1,250 aircraft were airborne, with two either departing or landing every five seconds. The 737 was the most commonly flown aircraft in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

In 2013, over 5,580 Boeing 737s were operated by more than 342 airlines in 111 countries, which represented more than 25% of the worldwide fleet of large jet airliners. The 737 had carried over 16.8 billion passengers (twice of 7.1 billion world population in that time) over 119 billion miles (192 billion km) with more than 184 million flights or 264 million hours in the air.

In 2016, there were 6,512 Boeing 737 airliners in service (5,567 737NGs plus 945 737-200s and 737 Classics), more than the 6,510 Airbus A320 family. while in 2017, there were 6,858 737s in service (5,968 737NGs plus 890 737-200s and classics), fewer than the 6,965 A320 family.

By 2018, over 7,500 Boeing 737s were in service and on average 2,800 aircraft were airborne, with two either departing or landing every three seconds, carrying around three million passengers daily. At the time, the global 737 fleet had carried over 22 billion passengers since its introduction.

As of June 2021, there were 9,315 Boeing 737s in service, slightly fewer than the 9,353 of the A320 family, as more 737s were already out of service.

Military

Indonesian Air Force Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller (AI-7302) at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport

Many countries operate the 737 passenger, BBJ, and cargo variants in government or military applications. Users with 737s include:

Orders and deliveries

Orders

The 737 had the highest, cumulative orders for any airliner until surpassed by the A320 family in October 2019. In that year, 737 orders dropped by 90%, as 737 MAX orders dried up after the March grounding. The 737 MAX backlog fell by 182, mainly due to the Jet Airways bankruptcy, a drop in Boeing's airliner backlog was a first in at least the past 30 years.

As of November 2024, 16,725 units of the Boeing 737 family had been ordered, with 4,818 orders were pending, or 4,218 when including "additional criteria for recognizing contracted backlog with customers beyond the existence of a firm contract" (ASC 606 Adjustment).

Deliveries

737 deliveries per year, 1967–2018

Boeing delivered the 5,000th 737 to Southwest Airlines on February 13, 2006, the 6,000th 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle in April 2009, the 7,000th 737 to Flydubai on December 16, 2011, the 8,000th 737 to United Airlines on April 16, 2014, and the 9,000th 737 to China United Airlines in April 2016. The 10,000th 737 was ordered in July 2012, rolled out on March 13, 2018, and was to be delivered to Southwest Airlines; the backlog at the time stood at over 4,600 aircraft.

As of November 2024, 11,907 units of the Boeing 737 family had been delivered, while 11,773 of the competing A320 family had been delivered. Therefore, the 737 is the most delivered jetliner.

Deliveries by year for all 737 generations and model series
Year Total 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Deliveries 11,907 247 396 387 263 43 127 580 529 490 495 485 440 415 372 376 372 290 330
2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
302 212 202 173 223 299 282 320 282 135 76 89 121 152 218 215 174 146 165 161
1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967
141 115 67 82 95 108 92 77 40 25 41 51 55 23 22 29 37 114 105 4
  1. The 2020 deliveries consist of 16 NG-based variants and 27 737 MAXs.

Model summary

Orders and deliveries by generation and model series
Generation Model series ICAO code Orders Deliveries Unfilled orders First flight
737 Original 737-100 B731 30 30 April 9, 1967
737-200 B732 991 991 August 8, 1967
737-200C 104 104 September 18, 1968
737-T43A 19 19 March 10, 1973
737 Classic 737-300 B733 1,113 1,113 February 24, 1984
737-400 B734 486 486 February 19, 1988
737-500 B735 389 389 June 30, 1989
737 NG 737-600 B736 69 69 January 22, 1998
737-700 B737 1,130 1,128 2 February 9, 1997
737-700C 22 22 April 14, 2000
737-700W 14 14 May 20, 2004
737-800 B738 4,991 4,989 2 July 31, 1997
737-800A 191 181 10 April 25, 2009
737-900 B739 52 52 August 3, 2000
737-900ER 505 505 September 1, 2006
737 BBJ 737-BBJ1 (-700) B73G 122 122 September 4, 1998
737-BBJ2 (-800) B738 23 23 N/A
737-BBJ3 (-900) B739 7 7 N/A
737 MAX 737 MAX (-7,-8,-9,-10) B37M / B38M / B39M / B3XM 6,467 1,663 4,804 January 29, 2016
Boeing 737 family All series B73-, B3-M 16,725 11,907 4,818 April 9, 1967

Accidents and incidents

Main article: List of accidents and incidents involving the Boeing 737
This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: Last updated in November 2023. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (June 2024)

As of November 2023, the Boeing 737 family has been involved in 529 aviation accidents and incidents, including 215 hull loss accidents out of 234 hull-losses, resulting in a total of 5,779 fatalities.

A Boeing analysis of commercial jet airplane accidents between 1959 and 2013 found that the hull loss rate for the Original series was 1.75 per million departures, for the Classic series 0.54, and the Next Generation series 0.27. As of 2023, the analysis showed that the hull loss rate for the Original series was 1.78 (0.87 fatal hull loss rate), for the Classic series 0.81 (0.26 fatal hull loss rate), for the Next Generation series 0.18 (0.04 fatal hull loss rate), and for the MAX series 1.48 (1.48 fatal hull loss rate) per million departures.

During the 1990s, a series of rudder issues on series -200 and -300 aircraft resulted in multiple incidents. In two total loss accidents, United Airlines Flight 585 (a -200 series) and USAir Flight 427, (a -300), the pilots lost control of the aircraft following a sudden and unexpected deflection of the rudder, killing everyone aboard, a total of 157 people. Similar rudder issues led to a temporary loss of control on at least five other 737 flights before the problem was ultimately identified. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the accidents and incidents were the result of a design flaw that could result in an uncommanded movement of the aircraft's rudder. As a result of the NTSB's findings, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered that the rudder servo valves be replaced on all 737s and mandated new training protocols for pilots to handle an unexpected movement of control surfaces.

Following the crashes of two 737 MAX 8 aircraft, Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019, which caused 346 deaths, civil aviation authorities around the world grounded the 737 MAX series. On December 16, 2019, Boeing announced that it would suspend production of the 737 MAX from January 2020. Production of the MAX series resumed on May 27, 2020.

Aircraft on display

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2024)
USAir 737-200 N213US fuselage section at the Museum of Flight

Owing to the 737's long production history and popularity, many older 737s have found use in museums after reaching the end of useful service.

Specifications

Boeing 737 characteristics
Variant 737-100 737-200 737-300/-400/-500 737-600/-700/-800/-900 737-7/-8/-9/-10
Cockpit crew Two
2-class seats 85: 12F 73Y 102: 14F@38" 88Y@34" 126/147/110 108/128/160/177 138/162/178/188
1-class seats 103@34" – 118@30" 115@34" – 130@30" 140+/159-168/122-132 123-130/140+/175+/177-215 153/178/193/204
Exit limit 124 136 149/188/145 149/149/189/220 172/200/220/230
Length 94 ft (29 m) 100 ft 2 in (30.53 m) 102–120 ft (31–37 m) 102–138 ft (31–42 m) 116.7–143.7 ft (35.56–43.8 m)
Span 93 ft (28 m) 94 ft 9 in (28.88 m) 112 ft 7 in (34.32 m)
winglets: 117 ft 5 in (35.79 m)
117 ft 10 in (35.92 m)
Wing 979.9 sq ft (91.04 m), 25° sweep 1,341.2 sq ft (124.60 m) 1,370 sq ft (127 m)
Height 37 ft (11 m) 36 ft 6 in (11.13 m) 41 ft (12 m) 40 ft 4 in (12.29 m)
Width Fuselage: 148 inches (3.8 m), Cabin: 139.2 inches (3.54 m)
Cargo 650 cu ft (18 m) 875 cu ft (24.8 m) 882–1,373 cu ft
25.0–38.9 m
720–1,826 cu ft
20.4–51.7 m
1,543–1,814 cu ft
43.7–51.4 m
MTOW 110,000 lb
(50,000 kg)
128,100 lb
(58,100 kg)
133,500–150,000 lb
(60,600–68,000 kg)
144,500–187,700 lb
(65,500–85,100 kg)
177,000–194,700 lb
(80,300–88,300 kg)
OEW 62,000 lb
(28,000 kg)
65,300 lb
(29,600 kg)
70,440–76,760 lb
(31,950–34,820 kg)
80,200–98,495 lb
(36,378–44,677 kg)
MAX 8: 99,360 lb
(45,070 kg)
Fuel capacity 4,720 US gal (17,900 L) 5,970 US gal (22,600 L) 5,311 US gal (20,100 L) 6,875–7,837 US gal (26,020–29,670 L) 6,853 US gal (25,940 L)
Speed Mach 0.745 – Mach 0.82 (430–473 kn; 796–876 km/h; 494–544 mph) Cruise—MMO Mach 0.785 (453 kn; 838 km/h; 521 mph) Cruise
Takeoff 6,099 ft (1,859 m) 7,500–8,690 ft
2,290–2,650 m
6,161–7,598 ft
1,878–2,316 m
Range 1,540 nmi (2,850 km; 1,770 mi) 2,600 nmi (4,800 km; 3,000 mi) 2,060–2,375 nmi
(3,815–4,398 km; 2,371–2,733 mi)
2,935–3,010 nmi
(5,436–5,575 km; 3,378–3,464 mi)
3,300–3,850 nmi
(6,110–7,130 km; 3,800–4,430 mi)
Ceiling 37,000 ft (11,300 m) 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
Engines (×2) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7/-9/-15/-17 CFM56-3 series CFM56-7 series CFM LEAP-1B
Thrust (×2) 14,000 lbf (62 kN) 14,500–16,400 lbf
(64–73 kN)
20,000–23,500 lbf
(89–105 kN)
20,000–27,000 lbf
(89–120 kN)
up to 29,300 lbf (130 kN)
  1. With 810 US gal (3,100 L) auxiliary fuel tank
  2. MTOW, Sea Level, International Standard Atmosphere
  3. 120 passengers

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Citations

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  4. Sharpe & Shaw 2001, p. 12
  5. ^ Stephen Trimble (April 7, 2017). "Half-century milestone marks 737's enduring appeal". FlightGlobal.
  6. Sutter 2006, pp. 76–78.
  7. ^ Sharpe & Shaw 2001, p. 17
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  10. Olason, M.L. and Norton, D.A. "Aerodynamic Philosophy of the Boeing 737", AIAA paper 65-739, presented at the AIAA/RAeS/JSASS Aircraft Design and Technology Meeting, Los Angeles California, November 1965. Reprinted in the AIAA Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 3 No. 6, November/December 1966, pp. 524–528.
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  23. ^ Bowers 1989, p. 496
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  • Garvin, Robert V. (1998). Starting Something Big: The Commercial Emergence of GE Aircraft Engines. Reston, VA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. ISBN 1-56347-289-9.
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  • Sutter, Joe (2006). 747: Creating the World's First Jumbo Jet and Other Adventures from a Life in Aviation. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books. ISBN 978-0-06-088242-6.

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