Boeing 737-100 Prototype - N73700

Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from the Boeing 707 and 727, Boeing has developed the 737 into a large family of passenger models with capacities from 85 to 215 passengers. It features six-abreast seating.

The 737, also known as the "Baby Boeing", is Boeing's only narrow-body airliner in production, and remains one of the best-selling jet commercial airliners. It currently competes primarily with the Airbus A320 family.

As of January of 2019, Boeing has built over 10,000 737 series jetliners, the highest-selling commercial jetliner in commercial aviation history.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy also use military versions of the 737, including the P-8 Poseidon, the C-40 Clipper and 737 AEW&C.

Boeing 737 Generations

The four main "generations" of the 737 are as follows (click for details):

Generation	Models
Original	737-100 and 737-200	Details
Classic	737-300, 737-400 and 737-500	Details
Next Genration (NG)	737-600, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900	Details
MAX	737-7, 737-8, 737-9 and 737-10	Details

 

Some General Boeing 737 Spotting Tips

The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body jet airliner featuring a pointed nose, one engine under each wing, and a triangular section on the front of the tail. It features two very short twin-wheel main landing gears, forcing the engines to be positioned mostly in front of the wings.

Retracted main landing gear on a Boeing 737 are not enclosed in the fuselage, but are open-air

 

 

Boeing 737 Originals: The -100 and -200s

Originally envisioned in 1964, the initial 737-100 made its first flight in April of 1967 and entered airline service in February of 1968 at Lufthansa. Boeing ultimately built only 30 737-100 airliners.

The -100 was lengthened by 76" (36" ahead of and 40" behind the wing) into the 737-200, which entered service in April of 1968.

Boeing also offered the 737-200C Convertible and the 737-200QC Quick Change models. By the time production ended in August of 1988, Boeing had assembled 1,114 737-200 aircraft.

This Boeing 737-130, the first production 737, is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. The prototype made its first flight on April 9, 1967. Boeing used this 737 as a flight test aircraft before it became NASA's Transport Systems Research Vehicle in 1974. (Staff Photo)

Boeing 737-200 of Western Airlines, showing the tubular-style engine housing of the -200

 

 

Boeing 737 Classics: The -300, -400 and -500

In the 1980s Boeing launched the -300, -400, and -500 models, subsequently referred to as the Boeing 737 Classic series.

Boeing 737-330 of Lufthansa, Registration Number D-ABXS

The 737 Classics used CFM56 turbofan engines, which created an engineering design challenge caused by the low ground clearance of the 737.

The problem was solved by placing the engine ahead of the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides (rather than the bottom) of the engine pod. This configuration gave the 737 engine enclosure a distinctive non-circular air intake, aka the "hamster pouch".

The 737 Classic's wing incorporated a number of changes for improved aerodynamics, and was extended 9 inches. The leading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps were adjusted, and the cockpit featured enhanced electronics.

Production occurred from 1984 to 2000, with 1,988 aircraft delivered.

Boeing 737-400 of British Airways

Boeing 737-500 of Lufthansa

The 737 Classic & NG "Hampster Pouch"

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 Classics used CFM56 turbofan engines, which posed an engineering challenge given the low ground clearance of the 737.

The problem was solved by placing the engine ahead of the wing, and by moving engine accessories to the sides (rather than the bottom) of the engine pod. This configuration gave the 737 engine enclosure a distinctive non-circular air intake, aka the "hamster pouch".

Boeing 737 NGs: The -600, -700, -800 and -900

In the 1990s, Boeing introduced the 737 Next Generation, with multiple changes including a redesigned, increased span laminar flow wing, upgraded "glass" cockpit, and new interior.

Sun Country Boeing 737-8FH(WL), Registration N820SY, at the DFW Airport (Photo courtesy of the DFW Airport)

The 737NG series can seat between 110 and 210 passengers, and includes these models:

• The 737-600 is the replacement of the 737-500, and competes with the Airbus A318. Length: 102' 6"

• The 737-700 replaced the 737-300, with competition typically from the Airbus A319. Boeing also offers an extended range 737-700ER. Length: 110' 4"

• The Boeing 737-800 is a stretched version of the 737-700, and replaces the 737-400. Length: 129' 6"

• The longest variant in the series is the 737-900, along with the 737-900ER (Extended Range). The ER features an additional pair of exit doors. Length: 138' 2"

As of January of 2019, a total of 6,996 737-NG airliners have been delivered.

Boeing has also built versions of the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) based on the 737. The U.S. Navy operates the P-8 Poseidon, a modified 737-800ERX.

Spotting guide for the Next Generation "NG" Series

The -700, -800 and -900 NG series models feature blended winglets.

Split Scimitar winglets are available for the 737-700, 737-800, 737-900 and 737-900ER.

Boeing 737-600 and 737-700 have two cabin doors, and one emergency exit over the wing, on each side of the fuselage.

Boeing 737-800 has two cabin doors, and two emergency exits over the wing, on each side of the fuselage.

Boeing 737-900 has similar door configurations as the 737-800, except that the 737-900ER has an additional exit door aft of the wing, on each side of the fuselage.

 

Boeing 737 Next Generation "NG" Photos

Boeing 737-600 of Scandinavian Airlines

Boeing 737-700 of Aerolineas Argentinas

TUI Boeing B737-700, Registration Number OO-JAL (Photo by DELEHELLE Eric)

Boeing B737-700 of  Royal Air Maroc, Registration CN-RNL (Photo by DELEHELLE Eric)

Ryan Air Boeing 737-800

KLM Boeing B737-800, Registration TC-JHL (Photo by DELEHELLE Eric)

SmartWings B737-800 OK-TVV

XL Airways B737-800 F-HAXL

Turkish Airlines Boeing B737-800, Registration PH-BGC (Photo by DELEHELLE Eric)

Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-932ER, Registration N801DZ (Photo courtesy of  Delta Air Lines)

U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon ... a variant of the Boeing 737-800

Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)

The BBJ  is a business jet based upon the Boeing 737 series airliners. These aircraft typically seat between 25 and 50 passengers within a luxurious configuration. This may include a master bedroom, a washroom with showers, a conference/dining area, and a living area.

The 737 BBJ is based on the 737-700 with a stronger wing and landing gear from the 737-800. 

The U.S. Air Force C-40 B/C is based upon the commercial Boeing 737 BBJ. The body of the C-40 is identical to that of the Boeing 737-700, but has winglets.

Royal Jet Boeing 737-700 BBJ - Boeing Business Jet

 

U.S. Air force C-40B BBJ, a Boeing 737 variant, S/N 02-0042, msn 33500 (Photos by DELEHELLE Eric)

Boeing 737 MAX Program

Boeing announced its new, fuel-efficient 737 MAX Family in 2011: 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, and 737 MAX 10.

The aircraft achieves higher efficiency due to its new wing, split-tip winglets and engine design. It features the new Boeing Sky Interior.

The MAX series is powered by LEAP-1B engines made by CFM, which is co-owned by General Electric and France's Safran.

As of July 2023, Boeing has received a total of 5,615 MAX orders, and delivered 1,276 MAX airliners.

Boeing 737 MAX CFM LEAP-1B Engine

.

Boeing 737 MAX Characteristics & Spotting Guide

737 MAX Model	Overall Length	Passengers
MAX 7	116' 8"	153 - 172
MAX 8	129' 6"	178 - 200
MAX 9	138' 2"	193 - 220
MAX 10	143' 8"	204 - 230

 

 

Boeing 737 MAX 7

The smallest member of the MAX family is the 737 MAX 7, this aircraft is designed to carry between 153-172 passengers. It is 116 feet 8 inches in length.

The initial flight of the 737 MAX 7 was on March 16, 2018.

Boeing 737 MAX 7 (photo courtesy of the Boeing Company)

 

Boeing 737 MAX 8

The MAX 8 is designed to carry between 178-200 passengers. It is 129 feet 6 inches in length.

The first flight of the 737 MAX 8 took place in 2016, and four aircraft were engaged in testing.

Certification of the 737 MAX 8 was given by the FAA on March 9, 2017.

Initial delivery of the 737 MAX 8 was to Malasia-based Malindo Air, rebranding as Batik Air Malaysia, in May of 2017.

Batik 737 MAX 8 at takeoff (photo courtesy of the Boeing Company)

American Airlines 737 MAX 8 (photo courtesy of the Boeing Company)

 

Norwegian Air Shuttle took delivery of its first two 737 Max 8 aircraft on June 29, 2017, at the Boeing plant in Seattle. These were the second and third MAX delivered. ation EI-FYB, MSN 42826

Boeing 737 MAX 8 - Registration EI-FYB, MSN 42826 (photo courtesy of Norwegian Air Shuttle)

 

Boeing 737 MAX 8 of Southwest Airlines

 

 

Boeing 737 MAX 9

The MAX 9 is designed to carry between 193-220 passengers. It is 138 feet 2 inches in length.

The rollout of the first 787 MAX 9 occured on March 7, 2017, and the first flight took place on April 13, 2017 from Renton, Washington.

The first 737 MAX 9 was delivered on March 21, 2018 to the Lion Air Group.

Boeing 737 MAX 9 of United Airlines

 

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 (photo courtesy of the Boeing Company)

At the Paris Air Show in June of 2017, Boeing officials announced the availability of a stretched MAX airliner, the 737 MAX 10. The airliner would seat up to 230 passengers, and be 66 inches longer than the 737 MAX 9, for a total length of 143 feet 8 inches. It was first displayed at Boeing's Renton plant on November 22, 2019. The MAX 10 flew for the first time on June 18, 2021, from Renton Municipal Airport to Boeing Field for a 2.5 hour test flight.

Boeing 737 Assembly

737 final assembly is conducted at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington, in the greater Seattle area. The facility includes 1.1 million square feet of covered space.

Spirit AeroSystems manufactures the 737 fuselages, pylon, thrust reverser and engine nacelles at its Wichita, Kansas facility.

Spirit also builds the 737 wing leading edges, at its Tulsa, OK plant. The Spirit components are shipped to Renton for final assembly.

The Boeing Propulsion South Carolina facility is involved with the design and assembly of the 737 MAX engine nacelle inlet.

Airliners Parked at Storage Facilities in the Desert

Commercial airliners all have limited lifespans, even the popular Boeing 737. Ultimately, they must be retired from service, stored in "airplane boneyards" or graveyards, and finally dismantled and scrapped.

Boeing 737-700 of GOL Brazilian airlines, registration N320GL, undergoing reclamation at the Pinal Airpark in Arizona (Staff Photo, May 2017)

Jetliners eventually reach end-of-life due to airframe wear and/or obsolescence. Some jetliners are temporarily taken off flying status, and must be stored in a environment that is conducive to preservation, such as the great deserts of the western United States. Others are kept for spare parts for flying aircraft.

To protect airliners during their storage from wind and sun damage, engines and windows are tightly covered with white, reflective materials. A sealed airliner can thus be stored safely, for years, until the time comes to return it to active duty, or salvage. Eventually, all airliners are removed permanently from service and must be "disposed" of.

We have spotted and photographed a variety of Boeing and Airbus jet airliners at many airline boneyards in the western U.S., including:

• Mojave Airport in California
• Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) in Victorville, California
• Pinal Airpark near Tucson, Arizona
• Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Arizona

... and view photos of commercial airliner boneyards at www.AirplaneBoneyards.com

More Boeing 737 Photos (Courtesy of DELEHELLE Eric)

Sunweb Boeing B737, Registration PH-HSA

ANA Air Next Boeing 737

Boeing B737 of Jet2, Registration G-CELD

Boeing B737 of Jetair