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112 737-800 facts, all checked

Every fact on this site in one place, each linked to its source. Our build checks each one against the source text; see the sources page. Figures that can change carry the date we checked them, older counts carry their year, and where sources disagree you’ll find both.

Jump to: The original 737 | The 737-800 programme | Identification | Specifications | Engines | The cabin | Freighter, business jet and Navy versions | The 737 today (dated)

The original 737

  1. 1 When Boeing announced its new twinjet in 1965, the 737 quickly picked up the nickname ‘Baby Boeing’. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  2. 2 The first 737 was the last new aeroplane built at Plant 2 on Boeing Field in Seattle. The building wasn’t tall enough for the 737’s tail, so it was attached with a crane in the car park. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  3. 3 The first 737 was shown to the world on 17 January 1967 at Boeing’s Thompson Site, christened by flight attendants from the 17 airlines that had ordered it. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  4. 4 The first 737 (a 737-100) first flew on 9 April 1967. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  5. 5 To save time, Boeing gave the 737 the same upper fuselage lobe as the 707 and 727, so the same upper-deck cargo pallets fitted all three. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  6. 6 Six-abreast seating was a selling point: the rival Douglas DC-9 seated five abreast. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  7. 7 Mounting the engines under the wing freed up room for more seats, buffered some noise and made maintenance easier at ground level. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  8. 8 At first the 737 was called the ‘square’ aeroplane, because it was as long as it was wide. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  9. 9 Its two-person flight deck, with no flight engineer, became standard among airlines. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  10. 10 The first production 737-100 was delivered on 27 December 1967; the first 737-200 followed the next day. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  11. 11 Boeing’s history says that by 1987 the 737 was the most-ordered aeroplane in commercial history. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  12. 12 By 1993 customers had ordered 3,100 737s, and Boeing was developing the Next-Generation 737s: the -600, -700, -800 and -900. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  13. 13 Boeing certified and delivered the first three Next-Generation models in less than a year. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)

The 737-800 programme

  1. 14 The 737-800 was launched on 5 September 1994 at the Farnborough Air Show, with customer commitments for more than 40 aircraft. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  2. 15 Its launch order was for 16 aircraft from Hapag-Lloyd of Germany. Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  3. 16 The 737-700 was launched in November 1993 and first delivered in December 1997. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  4. 17 The 737-600 was first delivered in 1998 and the 737-900 in 2001. Customers began ordering the longer-range 737-900ER in 2005. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  5. 18 The first 737-800 fuselage was built at Boeing’s Wichita, Kansas plant and taken to Renton by railcar for final assembly. Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  6. 19 The Next-Generation wing grew by 25% to 1,340 sq ft (125 m²), giving 30% more fuel capacity. Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  7. 20 In February 1997 Boeing gave the Next-Generation fuel capacity as 6,878 US gallons (26,136 litres). Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  8. 21 By the first flight of the first 737-700, in February 1997, 24 airlines had ordered 523 Next-Generation 737s, before the first one had even been rolled out. Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  9. 22 In February 1997 Boeing said a 737 was taking off somewhere in the world every six seconds. Boeing news release: Boeing Next-Generation 737 takes to the skies (9 Feb 1997)
  10. 23 The first 737-800 was rolled out at Boeing’s Renton, Washington factory on 30 June 1997, in front of several thousand employees. Boeing news release: Boeing introduces longest 737 ever (30 Jun 1997)
  11. 24 At 129 ft 6 in, it was the longest 737 built up to that time. Boeing news release: Boeing introduces longest 737 ever (30 Jun 1997)
  12. 25 It was the 2,906th 737 built and the 6,508th commercial aeroplane Boeing had built at Renton. Boeing news release: Boeing introduces longest 737 ever (30 Jun 1997)
  13. 26 The -800 is a stretched 737-400 for 160 to 189 passengers, with a new, larger wing, higher cruise speed, more range and new engines. Boeing news release: Boeing introduces longest 737 ever (30 Jun 1997)
  14. 27 At the -800’s roll-out in June 1997, Boeing counted 627 Next-Generation orders from 29 customers. Boeing news release: Boeing introduces longest 737 ever (30 Jun 1997)
  15. 28 The first 737-800 took off at 9 a.m. on 31 July 1997 from Renton Municipal Airport, flown by Boeing Captains Mike Hewett and Jim McRoberts, and landed at Boeing Field, Seattle, three hours and five minutes later. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  16. 29 From 17,000 feet, Hewett reported: “We’ve got a flawless flight.” Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  17. 30 The Next-Generation flight-test fleet was 10 aircraft: four 737-700s, three 737-800s and three 737-600s. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  18. 31 In July 1997 Boeing gave the 737-800’s price as between $48 million and $54 million. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  19. 32 The new models kept crew commonality with the 737s already flying. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  20. 33 Boeing applied to the FAA for 737-800 certification on 4 February 1993. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  21. 34 The FAA type-certificated the 737-800 on 13 March 1998, and European (JAA) validation followed on 9 April 1998. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  22. 35 Boeing announced the first 737-800 delivery, to launch customer Hapag-Lloyd of Germany, on 23 April 1998: the first of 16 the airline had ordered. Boeing news release: First Next-Generation 737-800 goes to Hapag-Lloyd (23 Apr 1998)
  23. 36 Boeing’s own 2004 milestone table for the 737-800: first order 5 Sep 1994, roll-out 30 Jun 1997, first flight 31 Jul 1997, FAA certification 13 Mar 1998, first delivery 22 Apr 1998, in service 24 Apr 1998. Boeing: 737 family background page (archived 9 Dec 2004)
  24. 37 In April 1998 Boeing said the 737, with almost 4,000 orders, was the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time, with more than 825 in the air at any time. Boeing news release: First Next-Generation 737-800 goes to Hapag-Lloyd (23 Apr 1998)
  25. 38 In late 2004 Boeing’s 737 family page said the 737 family had won orders for more than 5,200 aircraft. Boeing: 737 family background page (archived 9 Dec 2004)
  26. 39 Boeing’s history booklet describes the 737-800 as a 162- to 189-seat aircraft. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  27. 40 By 2004 Boeing offered winglets on the 737-700 and 737-800 (and on the Boeing Business Jets), to save fuel, extend range and carry more payload. Boeing: 737 family background page (archived 9 Dec 2004)
  28. 41 Boeing once said about 50 US gallons of paint go on an average 737, and it weighs around 250 lb once dry. Boeing: 737 family background page (archived 9 Dec 2004)

Identification

  1. 42 Flight trackers and flight plans call the 737-800 ‘B738’: the FAA type designator it shares with the BBJ2. The 737-700 is B737 and the 737-900 is B739. FAA Order JO 7360.1K, Aircraft Type Designators (effective 12 Jun 2025, PDF) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  2. 43 The 737 MAX 8 has its own designator, B38M, so a tracker can tell you which one you’re looking at. FAA Order JO 7360.1K, Aircraft Type Designators (effective 12 Jun 2025, PDF) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  3. 44 The 737-800 has two Type III overwing emergency exits on each side of the cabin. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  4. 45 The shorter 737-700 has one overwing exit on each side, which is a handy way to tell them apart. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  5. 46 The 737-900 also has two overwing exits each side, so for a -800 versus a -900 you need to judge the length. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  6. 47 The 737-600, the smallest Next-Generation model, has one overwing exit each side, like the -700. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  7. 48 Lengths, from Boeing’s current tables: 737-700 33.6 m (110 ft 4 in), 737-800 39.5 m (129 ft 6 in), 737-900 42.1 m (138 ft 2 in). Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  8. 49 The 737 MAX 8 is the same length as the 737-800, 39.5 m (129 ft 6 in), so length alone won’t separate them. Boeing: 737 MAX (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  9. 50 The 737 MAX family uses CFM International LEAP-1B engines; the 737NG uses the CFM56-7B. Boeing: 737 MAX (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  10. 51 The 737-900 is 96 in longer than the -800: a 54 in section was added ahead of the wing and a 42 in section behind it. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  11. 52 The 737-900ER has extra exit doors behind the wing, for up to 215 passengers. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  12. 53 737-700s, -800s and -900s were also delivered with winglets, for better cruise performance. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  13. 54 Winglets are tall: Boeing’s airport manual gives a 737-800’s wingtip as about 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) off the ground without winglets, and about 22 ft 2 in (6.76 m) with them, at operating empty weight. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  14. 55 The engines sit low: about 2 ft 1 in (0.64 m) of clearance under a 737-800’s engine at operating empty weight, down to about 1 ft 7 in (0.48 m) at maximum weight. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  15. 56 The top of a 737-800’s fin is about 41 ft 5 in (12.62 m) above the ground at operating empty weight. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  16. 57 On a 737-800BCF freighter, the overwing exits and the rear entry and service doors are all deactivated. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)

Specifications

  1. 58 Seats, from Boeing’s current table: 160–180 in two classes, maximum 189 passengers. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  2. 59 Maximum take-off weight: 79,010 kg (174,200 lb). Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  3. 60 Range: up to 2,800 nautical miles (5,190 km). Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  4. 61 Wingspan: 35.8 m (117 ft 5 in); height 12.5 m (41 ft 2 in). Boeing lists the same span and height for the -700, -800 and -900. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  5. 62 Engines: two CFM56-7B turbofans by CFM International. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  6. 63 For comparison, Boeing lists the 737-700 at 125–145 seats (maximum 149) and the 737-900 at 175–195 (maximum 220). Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  7. 64 Boeing lists the 737-700 at up to 70,080 kg (154,500 lb) maximum take-off weight and up to 2,900 nmi (5,370 km) range. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  8. 65 Boeing lists the 737-900 at up to 85,130 kg (187,700 lb) maximum take-off weight and up to 2,700 nmi (5,000 km) range. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  9. 66 Boeing’s airport planning manual uses 160 seats two-class and 184 all-economy for the 737-800. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  10. 67 The same manual describes the -800 as a slightly longer fuselage than the 737-400, with a new wing, stabiliser and tail, 129 ft 6 in long and carrying up to 184 passengers all-economy. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  11. 68 Its maximum design take-off weights range from 155,500 lb (70,533 kg) to 174,200 lb (79,015 kg), depending on the option chosen. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  12. 69 Operating empty weight for a baseline mixed-class layout: 91,300 lb (41,412 kg). Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  13. 70 Usable fuel: 6,875 US gallons (26,024 litres), about 20,897 kg. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  14. 71 Lower-deck cargo volume: 1,591 cu ft (45.1 m³), split 692 cu ft forward and 899 cu ft aft. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  15. 72 The 737 family was designed for short to medium ranges from sea-level runways of less than 6,000 ft (1,830 m). Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  16. 73 At its 174,200 lb maximum take-off weight the 737-800 is ICAO aerodrome reference code 4C (3C at a 165,788 lb reference weight). Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  17. 74 EASA’s type certificate data sheet lists maximum certified masses of 79,015 kg (174,200 lb) for take-off and 66,360 kg (146,300 lb) for landing. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  18. 75 Minimum flight crew: two, a pilot and co-pilot. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  19. 76 The main forward left door measures 864 × 1,829 mm (34 × 72 in); each overwing exit is 508 × 914 mm (20 × 36 in). EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  20. 77 Underwing engines put nearly all system maintenance at eye level. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  21. 78 An auxiliary power unit (APU) in the tail can supply power for engine starting, air conditioning and electrics on the ground or in flight. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  22. 79 Optional built-in airstairs let it work at airports with no air bridges or steps. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)

Engines

  1. 80 CFM International says the CFM56-7B is the exclusive engine for the Next-Generation 737 and its military variants. CFM International: CFM56-5B & CFM56-7B
  2. 81 CFM says more than 15,000 CFM56-7B engines have been delivered to power 737s, with more than 500 million engine flight hours logged. CFM International: CFM56-5B & CFM56-7B · checked 29 Oct 2026
  3. 82 CFM International is a 50/50 joint company of Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. CFM International: CFM56-5B & CFM56-7B
  4. 83 In 1997 Boeing said the CFM56-7 would have 10% more thrust capability than the CFM56-3C on the earlier 737s. Boeing news release: Longest Boeing 737 makes first flight (31 Jul 1997)
  5. 84 The CFM56-7B came in six take-off ratings, from 19,500 lb (the -7B18) to 27,300 lb (the -7B27), all with a 61 in fan. CFM: The technology behind the CFM56-7B (archived 29 Feb 2012)
  6. 85 CFM listed the -7B22, -7B24, -7B26 and -7B27 ratings for the 737-800. CFM: The technology behind the CFM56-7B (archived 29 Feb 2012)
  7. 86 Each engine is 98.7 in long with a basic dry weight of 5,216 lb. CFM: The technology behind the CFM56-7B (archived 29 Feb 2012)

The cabin

  1. 87 Boeing’s airport manual shows six-abreast economy seating for the 737-600, -700, -800 and -900 (four-abreast is a business-jet option). Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  2. 88 Early 737s had open hat-rack overhead stowage; later cabins added enclosed bins for a ‘wide-body look’, and more recent interiors give more stowage above the seats. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  3. 89 The first Next-Generation 737 with the Boeing Sky Interior was a 737-800, delivered on 27 October 2010. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  4. 90 The Sky Interior brought sculpted sidewalls and window reveals. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  5. 91 Its larger stow bins pivot up out of the way, which gives more headroom around the aisle seats. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  6. 92 Airlines can choose lighting schemes from a soft blue ‘sky’ to sunset colours. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  7. 93 LEDs replaced incandescent signs and halogen reading lights; Boeing estimated about 40,000 hours between replacements, 10 times longer than before. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  8. 94 Boeing also promised a quieter cabin and new speakers in each passenger row. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)
  9. 95 In October 2010, 46 airlines and leasing companies had ordered the Sky Interior for more than 1,200 aircraft. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737 Boeing Sky Interior (27 Oct 2010)

Freighter, business jet and Navy versions

  1. 96 The BBJ2 business jet, announced in October 1999, is based on the 737-800, with 25% more cabin space and twice the cargo space of the original BBJ. Boeing: Select Products in Boeing History, 737 Commercial Transport (PDF)
  2. 97 A BBJ2 leaves the factory with no interior furnishings; the customer installs its own, and it has winglets. Boeing: Next-Generation 737 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning, D6-58325-7 Rev C (Oct 2025, PDF)
  3. 98 Boeing launched the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in February 2016. The -800 was the first Next-Generation 737 it offered for conversion. Boeing news release: Boeing launches Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (Feb 2016)
  4. 99 Conversion adds a large main-deck cargo door, a cargo-handling system and seats for up to four non-flying crew or passengers. Boeing news release: Boeing launches Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (Feb 2016)
  5. 100 A 737-800BCF carries up to 52,800 lb (23.9 tonnes) in 12 main-deck pallet positions: 11 standard pallets and one half-pallet. Boeing news release: Boeing launches Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (Feb 2016)
  6. 101 At the 2016 launch Boeing said the freighter flies routes of nearly 2,000 nautical miles (3,690 km). Boeing news release: Boeing launches Next-Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (Feb 2016)
  7. 102 At the first delivery in 2018 Boeing gave its range as 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km). Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (19 Apr 2018)
  8. 103 The first 737-800BCF was delivered on 19 April 2018. Boeing news release: Boeing delivers first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (19 Apr 2018)
  9. 104 The FAA certificated the 737-800BCF on 6 April 2018 and EASA validated it on 12 April 2018. EASA: Type-Certificate Data Sheet IM.A.120, Boeing 737, Issue 30 (PDF)
  10. 105 The US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon combines the 737-800 airframe with -900 wings, a weapons bay and pylons. US Navy fact file: P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft
  11. 106 The Navy says the P-8A is built on an in-line commercial assembly process, with military modifications added after final assembly. US Navy fact file: P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft
  12. 107 P-8A: two CFM56-7B engines of 27,300 lb thrust each; length 129.5 ft (39.47 m); wingspan 123.6 ft (37.64 m); crew of nine. US Navy fact file: P-8A Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft
  13. 108 Its FAA designator is ‘P8’, listed as the 737-800 Poseidon. FAA Order JO 7360.1K, Aircraft Type Designators (effective 12 Jun 2025, PDF) · checked 29 Oct 2026

The 737 today (dated)

  1. 109 Boeing’s 737NG page says the 737NG continues to give airlines reliability and fuel efficiency, and points to the 737 MAX family, which it calls the fastest-selling aeroplane in Boeing’s history. Boeing: 737 Next Generation (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  2. 110 Boeing’s current MAX table lists four models: 737-7, 737-8, 737-9 and 737-10. Boeing: 737 MAX (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  3. 111 The 737-8 (MAX 8): 160–180 seats two-class, up to 3,500 nmi (6,480 km), 35.9 m (117 ft 10 in) span, 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in) high. Boeing: 737 MAX (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026
  4. 112 Boeing lists the 737-8 at a maximum of 210 seats and up to 82,640 kg (182,200 lb) maximum take-off weight. Boeing: 737 MAX (product page and spec table) · checked 29 Oct 2026