The newest members of the Boeing 737 family -- the 737-600/-700/-800/-900ER models -- continue the 737's pre-eminence as the world's most popular and reliable commercial jet transport. The entire 737 family has won orders for more than 6,700 airplanes. No other jet airplane in commercial aviation history has achieved the sales success of the 737.
The 737-700 was launched in November 1993 with Southwest Airlines' order for 63 airplanes. First delivery occurred in December 1997.
On Sept. 5, 1994, the 737-800 was launched with commitments from customers for more than 40 of the airplanes. The first delivery was to German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in spring 1998.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) became the launch customer for the 737-600 on March 15, 1995, when the airline ordered 35 airplanes. First delivery of the 737-600 went to SAS in the third quarter of 1998.
On Nov. 10, 1997, Alaska Airlines became the launch customer for the 737-900 with orders for 10 airplanes. Deliveries began in May 2001.
A higher capacity, longer-range derivative of the 737-900, the 737-900ER (Extended Range), was launched on July 18, 2005 with an order for 30 airplanes from Indonesia carrier Lion Air. The first delivery was April 27, 2007 to Lion Air.
On Jan. 31, 2006, the 737-700ER (Extended Range) was launched with an order conversion from ANA (All Nippon Airways) for two airplanes. The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)-inspired derivative is designed for long-range commercial applications and has the longest range capability of any 737 family member in commercial service. ANA received its first 737-700ER Feb. 16, 2007.
The 737 -- a short-to-medium-range airplane -- is based on a key Boeing philosophy of delivering added value to airlines with reliability, simplicity and reduced operating and maintenance costs. In addition, the newer 737 models offer a modern flight deck using the latest large flat-panel-display technology. Airlines can choose to provide their flight crews with either the latest display format, common with models like the 777, or opt for data format commonality with earlier 737 models.
On Nov. 7, 1997, the 737-700 was awarded type certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing the airplane for passenger service within the United States. On Feb. 19, 1998, Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), which comprises the aviation regulatory authorities of 27 countries, recommended type validation of the 737-700. On March 13, 1998, the second model of the new 737 family, the 737-800, earned type certification from the FAA with JAA type validation on April 9, 1998. The 737-600 earned type certification from the FAA on Aug. 14, 1998, followed by JAA validation on Sept. 4, 1998. The 737-900ER earned type certification Apr. 20, 2007.
A Family of Airplanes
The Next-Generation 737 family is offered in four sizes, ranging from 110 to 220 seats. The 737-600 is the smallest member of the family and can carry 110 to 132 passengers. The 737-700 is capable of carrying 126 to 149 passengers. The 737-800 can seat 162 to 189 passengers. Finally, the 737-900ER is the longest 737, capable of carrying up to 180 passengers in a two-class layout and up to 220 passengers in a one-class layout.
Listening to Customers
Airline customers who were involved in the development of the Next-Generation 737 models delivered a very clear message: They wanted advanced technology that allows for simplicity, reliability and low cost -- and not just technology for technology's sake. They also wanted flight-deck commonality with earlier 737s.
Besides airline customers, a chief mechanic and Boeing field service representatives participated in the airplanes' development.
A Bigger Wing, Longer Range and Higher Speed
The 737-600/-700/-800/-900ER models incorporate a new, advanced-technology wing design that helps increase fuel capacity and efficiency, both of which increase range. On each wing, the chord is increased by about 20 inches (50 centimeters) and the total span by approximately 16 feet (5 meters). The total wing area is increased by 25 percent to 1,340 square feet (125 meters2), providing 30 percent more fuel capacity for a total of 6,875 U.S. gallons (26,020 liters).
New-technology Blended Winglets, which are available on the 737-700, -800 and -900ER, further boost performance of the 737. These eight-foot-long wingtip extensions enhance range, fuel efficiency and takeoff performance while lowering engine maintenance costs and noise.
The Next-Generation 737's range is approximately 3,300 nautical miles (5,926 kilometers), an increase of up to 900 nautical miles over earlier 737 models. This allows U.S. transcontinental flights and increases 737 route capability throughout the world. The 737-700ER equipped with nine auxiliary fuel tanks has a maximum range of 5,510 nautical miles (10,200 km).
The advanced wing airfoil design provides an economical cruise speed of .78 Mach -- compared to .74 Mach for earlier 737 models -- with sprint capability of .82 Mach.
The Next-Generation 737 airplanes are capable of cruising to a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet, compared to 37,000 feet for the 737-300/-400/-500 models, and 39,000 feet for the Airbus A320.
Quieter, More Efficient, More Powerful Engines
The Next-Generation 737 models are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric Co. of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The engines meet strict international noise restrictions.
These new engines -- which were certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in late 1996 at 26,400 pounds of thrust -- also offer lower fuel burn and lower engine maintenance costs. The CFM56-7 has a 10 percent higher thrust capability than the CFM56-3C engines powering the 737-300/-400/-500 models. To take additional advantage of the engine's increased thrust, the newer 737 models' vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer are larger.
Interiors and Passenger Accommodations
The 737 interior reflects contemporary aesthetics and greater cabin flexibility with new soft, indirect lighting that enhances cabin ambience along with a smooth sculptured ceiling, giving the cabin a more open, spacious feel. The curved ceiling panels offer up to three additional inches of headroom.
Longer overhead stowage bins give passengers more storage space. The additional space was created by advanced engineering on the bins that eliminated the need for an internal support brace.
The flex-interior offered on 737-300/-400/-500 models is continued on the newer 737 models. This interior accommodates convertible seating, which allows operators to change a row of seats from five-abreast business-class seating to six-abreast tourist-class seating in less than one minute. A moveable cabin divider also allows configuration changes between flights.
A handrail on the overhead stowbins is offered for added passenger and flight attendant convenience, and the passenger service units and lavatories have recently been updated.
Industry-leading Technology
The Next-Generation 737 incorporates leading-edge display and flight-management software that promise to reduce flight delays and enhance safety and flight-crew efficiency. Examples of these technologies include Vertical Situation Display, which shows the current and predicted flight path of the airplane and indicates potential conflicts with terrain, and Head-Up Display, which provides pilots with "eye-level" flight and safety information.