BOEING 737-300 700

The 737 was originally envisioned in 1964.  In the 1980s Boeing launched the longer 737-300, -400, and -500 variants (referred to as the Boeing 737 Classic series).

The Boeing 737 Classic is the name given to the -300/-400/-500 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -600/700/800/900 series. The Classic series was originally introduced as the ‘new generation’ of the 737. Produced from 1984 to 2000, 1,988 aircraft were delivered.

By the early 1990s, it became clear that the new Airbus A320 was a serious threat to Boeing’s market share, as Airbus won previously loyal 737 customers. In November 1993, Boeing’s board of directors authorized the Next Generation program to replace the 737 Classic series. The -600, -700, -800, and -900 series were planned. After engineering trade studies and discussions with major 737 customers, Boeing proceeded to launch the 737 Next Generation series in late 1993, with 6,996 built as of January 2019.

The 737 series is the highest-selling commercial jetliner in history. The 737 has been continuously manufactured since 1967; the 10,000th was rolled out on March 13, 2018, and over 4,600 orders are pending. Assembly of the 737 is performed at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington.  As of 2006, there were an average of 1,250 Boeing 737s airborne at any given time, with two either departing or landing somewhere every five seconds.

Aircraft of similar role, configuration and era are: Airbus A320 family, Embraer 195, McDonnell Douglas DC-9, McDonnell Douglas MD-80, McDonnell Douglas MD-90, Tupolev Tu-204.