Reading level:

Boeing 737 Next Generation

Boeing · Narrowbody / Commercial Aviation · USA · Modern (1992–2009)

Boeing 737 Next Generation — Narrowbody / Commercial Aviation
Open in interactive gallery →See aircraft like this on the live radar →

The Boeing 737 Next Generation (737-600/700/800/900, also 737NG) was the third-generation 737 family — Boeing's response to the Airbus A320 family. Boeing developed the 737NG in 1991-1996; first flight 9 February 1997 (737-700). About 7,055 737NGs were built between 1997 and 2019 at Boeing Renton. The aircraft serves worldwide commercial + military operators through 2026.

The 737-800 (most-numerous variant) used 2 × CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines (27,300 lbf each). Maximum speed 876 km/h, range 5,765 km, service ceiling 12,500 m. Capacity: 162-189 passengers depending on configuration. The 737NG refreshed the 737 Classic with redesigned wings (15% larger, more-efficient), refined cockpit (glass cockpit instead of analog), and improved CFM56-7 engines.

737NG service spans worldwide commercial + military operators. Major operators include Southwest Airlines (the largest single 737NG operator, ~750 aircraft), Ryanair, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, KLM, and ~250 other airlines worldwide. Military variants include the P-8 Poseidon (maritime patrol), C-40 Clipper (USN transport), AEW E-7 Wedgetail (Australian). About 6,500 737NGs remain in active commercial + military service in 2026 — making it the most-numerous airliner ever produced.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Boeing 737 Next Generation (also called 737NG) is the third version of Boeing's famous 737 airliner family. It first flew in 1997 and was Boeing's answer to the Airbus A320. About 7,055 737NGs were built between 1997 and 2019. The 737NG is the most-numerous airliner ever made.

The 737-800 (the most-numerous 737NG) has two CFM International CFM56-7B jet engines, each making 27,300 pounds of thrust. Top speed is 544 mph, faster than most race cars. The plane is 130 feet long with a 117-foot wingspan, longer than its older 737 Classic cousin. It carries 162 to 189 passengers.

The 737NG has bigger and more-efficient wings than the older 737 Classic. The flat round dials in the cockpit were replaced by glass screens. New CFM56-7 engines burn less fuel. These changes made the 737NG more economical for short and medium flights.

About 6,500 737NGs still fly today. Southwest Airlines has the biggest fleet of about 750 aircraft. Other big operators are Ryanair, American Airlines, United, Delta, Lufthansa, and KLM. Military versions include the P-8 Poseidon sea-patrol plane, C-40 Navy transport, and E-7 Wedgetail radar plane. The 737NG was replaced in production by the 737 MAX from 2017 onwards.

Fun Facts

  • The 737NG is the most-numerous airliner ever made, with 7,055 built.
  • The 737-800 is 130 feet long, longer than its older 737 Classic cousin.
  • Top speed is 544 mph, faster than most race cars.
  • Each CFM56-7B engine makes 27,300 pounds of thrust.
  • Southwest Airlines has the biggest fleet, about 750 aircraft.
  • Military versions include the P-8 Poseidon, C-40, and E-7 Wedgetail.
  • The 737NG was replaced in production by the 737 MAX in 2017.

Kids’ Questions

Why so popular?

The 737 is cheap to buy and run, easy to maintain, and just the right size for short and medium flights. Airlines all over the world fly 737s because spare parts and trained pilots are everywhere. Southwest Airlines flies only 737s, which keeps training and maintenance simple. This makes the 737 family the best-selling airliner ever.

What is a glass cockpit?

Older cockpits had round dials and gauges, each showing one number. A glass cockpit replaces these with computer screens that can show many kinds of info. Pilots can choose what to display, making the cockpit cleaner and easier to read. The 737NG was the first 737 with a fully glass cockpit; older 737s mixed dials and small screens.

Why are there military 737s?

The Boeing 737 is reliable and roomy, perfect for military jobs like watching the ocean for submarines (P-8 Poseidon), carrying officials (C-40 Clipper), or watching the sky like a flying radar (E-7 Wedgetail). Boeing builds these versions with extra fuel tanks, military gear, and reinforced floors. The Air Force, Navy, and many countries use them.

Variants

737-600 (smallest)
108-130 passenger variant. About 69 built.
737-700 (basic)
126-149 passenger variant. About 1,128 built.
737-800 (main)
162-189 passenger variant. About 4,991 built (most-numerous).
737-900 / -900ER (longest)
Stretched 178-220 passenger variant. About 867 built.

Notable Operators

Worldwide commercial airlines
Southwest (~750), Ryanair, American, United, Delta, Lufthansa, KLM, ~250 others.
Military variants worldwide
P-8 Poseidon ASW, C-40 Clipper USN, E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 737NG the most-numerous airliner ever?

Yes. The 737 Next Generation production run (7,055 airframes 1997-2019) exceeds all other airliner family production: 737 Classic (1,988), Airbus A320 family pre-NEO (~6,500), Boeing 727 (1,832), Boeing 707 family (1,010). When combining with the 737 MAX (still in production, ~1,500 delivered as of 2026) the total Boeing 737 family production exceeds 11,000 airframes — making it the most-numerous airliner family in history.

Sources

See Also