737

The Boeing 737 is a family of twin-engine, narrow-body jet airliners produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. First flown in 1967, it is designed for short- to medium-range routes and has become one of the best-selling and most widely used commercial aircraft in history. Over successive generations, the 737 has expanded in capacity, range, and efficiency, serving airlines and cargo operators around the world.

Development and design

The 737 was developed to complement Boeing’s 727 for lower-cost, high-traffic routes. It features a conventional tail, a low-wing design, and two underwing turbofan engines. The original series established the core configuration that has been refined through later generations to improve fuel efficiency, cabin comfort, and maintainability.

Generations and variants

The 737 family comprises four generations: Original (-100/-200), Classic (-300/-400/-500), Next Generation (-600/-700/-800/-900), and MAX (-7/-8/-9/-10). The Next Generation introduced improved avionics, capacity, and range, powered by CFM56-7B engines. The MAX family uses the more efficient LEAP-1B engines, new winglets, and other aerodynamic improvements. In 2018–2019, the 737 MAX faced two fatal accidents linked to a flight-control system, leading to a worldwide grounding and subsequent recertification and software and training updates before service resumed in most markets.

Operations and impact

The 737 is widely deployed by airlines for domestic and regional travel, offering a versatile option for dense routes and point-to-point networks. Its relatively low operating costs, common parts across variants, and established maintenance infrastructure have contributed to its enduring popularity and high utilization.

Safety and incidents

As with any major airliner, the 737 has experienced incidents, with the 737 MAX crises drawing particular attention. After corrective actions, extensive training requirements, and regulatory scrutiny, the aircraft returned to service in many jurisdictions, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reliability.