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The two-engine 737 demonstrates how Boeing develops a family of models to meet specific airline needs. Airlines can choose from seven models of the world's most popular jetliner. Smallest of the 737s in production is the 737-500, seating 110 passengers; the 737-300 accommodates 126 passengers; and the 737-400 is capable of carrying 147 passengers, all in two classes. All three versions of this 737 series share the same two-pilot, new-technology flight deck, so pilots qualified to fly one model can also fly the others.
In November 1993, the company launched a 'Next Generation' 737 family to build on the 737's extraordinary success and extend the airplane type well into the 21st century. Since then, the Next-Generation 737s have outsold all others in their market category. The 737-600, -700,-800s and -900s will fly faster, higher and farther than current models, with additional improvements in operating costs, noise, fuel burn and thrust. All of this is accomplished while maintaining crew commonality with the current 737 line. Like today's 737s, these new family members are offered in multiple sizes, with the 737-600 accommodating 110 to 132 passengers, the 737-700 seating 126 to 149 passengers, the 737-800 capable of carrying 162 to 189 passengers, and the 737-900 seating 177 to 189 passengers.
Upcoming milestones for the Next-Generation 737 include first delivery of the 737-700 to Southwest Airlines in 1997, first delivery of the 737-800 to Hapag-Lloyd in early 1998, and first delivery of the -600 model to SAS in mid-1998.
In July 1996, Boeing and General Electric announced a joint venture, called Boeing Business Jets, to market a business jet derived from the Next-Generation 737-700. GE also became the plane's launch customer, ordering the first two BBjs, with first delivery at the end of 1998. A convertible freighter version of the 737-700 is scheduled for 1999.
737 - Aircraft Profiles - Aviation Resource Center
