The Boeing 737 family is a series of twin-engine narrow-body airliners spanning four main generations. It serves short- and medium-haul networks, low-cost carriers and specialised government roles.[1]Select products in Boeing historyBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Specifications
The principal family-level specifications are shown in the information panel. Values vary by variant, cabin, engine and operating rules; the linked manufacturer material is the controlling reference.
Development history
Boeing launched the original 737 as a smaller companion to the 727. The -100 first flew in 1967; the longer -200 established the programme commercially. The Classic, Next Generation and MAX families successively introduced larger cabins, new wings, digital flight decks and more efficient engines.[1]Select products in Boeing historyBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Variants
The Original family comprises the -100 and -200; Classics are the -300/-400/-500; Next Generation models are the -600/-700/-800/-900; and the MAX line comprises the 737-7, -8, -9 and -10.
Current and former operators
Current operators include Southwest, Ryanair, United, American, Alaska Airlines, flydubai, Lion Air and many state and charter fleets. Former operators include British Airways, Britannia, US Airways and numerous carriers that retired early generations.
Engines
Original aircraft use low-bypass Pratt & Whitney JT8Ds, Classic and Next Generation aircraft use CFM56s, and the MAX uses CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
Orders and deliveries
Because the family remains in production, totals change monthly. Boeing's official orders-and-deliveries tables are the direct source for current orders, backlog and deliveries.[2]Boeing orders and deliveriesBoeing · boeing.com · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Accidents and incidents
The family has experienced accidents across six decades. After two fatal 737 MAX 8 accidents, the FAA grounded the MAX, reviewed its flight-control changes and required design, training and maintenance actions before return to service in 2020.[3]Summary of the FAA's review of the Boeing 737 MAXFederal Aviation Administration · faa.gov · Accessed 2026-07-27Open source details
Compare with
Direct primary sources
Select products in Boeing history — Boeing
Boeing orders and deliveries — Boeing
Summary of the FAA's review of the Boeing 737 MAX — Federal Aviation Administration