Boeing 737 Next Generation – The World's Most Successful Narrow-Body Airliner

During the early 1990s, Boeing recognized that the Airbus A320 family offered advanced technology and improved efficiency compared with the Boeing 737 Classic. To remain competitive, Boeing launched the Boeing 737 Next Generation programme.

Rather than simply upgrading the Classic series, engineers redesigned major portions of the aircraft. A completely new wing increased span by approximately five metres, improved fuel capacity and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. More powerful CFM56-7B engines, advanced avionics and a redesigned passenger cabin further improved operating economics.

The Boeing 737-700 completed its maiden flight in February 1997 and entered commercial service with Southwest Airlines later that year. The highly successful Boeing 737-800 followed in 1998 and quickly became the preferred aircraft for airlines seeking an economical narrow-body airliner capable of operating both domestic and medium-haul international routes.

Over two decades of production, the Boeing 737 NG became one of the most successful commercial aircraft families in aviation history.

The Boeing 737 NG programme represented the most extensive redesign of the Boeing 737 since the aircraft's original introduction in the 1960s. Approximately one-third of the airframe was redesigned to improve performance, efficiency and passenger comfort.

The redesigned wing increased fuel capacity by approximately 30 percent while reducing aerodynamic drag. More powerful CFM56-7B engines delivered greater thrust with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The cockpit introduced six large LCD displays, improved flight management systems and enhanced digital avionics, reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness.

Structural improvements enabled higher operating weights and longer design life, making the aircraft suitable for intensive airline operations. These developments ultimately positioned the Boeing 737 NG as one of the world's most versatile commercial aircraft families.

The Boeing 737 Next Generation incorporates a significantly redesigned airframe compared with the Boeing 737 Classic. The larger wing, improved aerodynamics and strengthened structure provide increased range, higher payload capability and improved fuel efficiency while retaining the proven Boeing 737 fuselage architecture.

The redesigned wing features a greater span and increased wing area, providing improved lift-to-drag characteristics. Blended Winglets became available as an option and later became a defining visual feature of many Boeing 737 NG aircraft, reducing induced drag and improving fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent on longer sectors.

The aircraft retains the low-wing configuration and underwing engine installation, while structural improvements allow increased maximum takeoff weights and longer operational life.

Designed for high-cycle airline operations, the Boeing 737 NG combines aerodynamic efficiency with exceptional structural durability.

The Boeing 737 NG introduced a fully modernized glass cockpit equipped with six large liquid crystal displays replacing most conventional electromechanical instruments.

Primary cockpit equipment includes:

• Six LCD Flight Displays
• Dual Flight Management Computers
• Digital Autopilot
• Flight Director
• Weather Radar
• Electronic Checklists
• TCAS II
• EGPWS
• GPS Navigation
• VHF Communication
• SATCOM (operator dependent)

The flight deck maintains strong commonality with earlier Boeing 737 generations while providing greatly improved automation and situational awareness.

Pilots transitioning from the Boeing 737 Classic require minimal additional training due to Boeing's philosophy of maintaining cockpit commonality.

The Boeing 737 NG cabin introduced numerous passenger comfort improvements including redesigned sidewalls, larger overhead storage bins, quieter environmental systems and improved cabin lighting.

Depending on the variant, the aircraft accommodates approximately 108 to 215 passengers.

Features include:

• Six-abreast seating
• Larger overhead bins
• Modern LED lighting (retrofit available)
• Improved noise insulation
• Flexible business and economy layouts
• Pressurized air-conditioned cabin
• Enhanced passenger service units

Many operators have upgraded the aircraft with the Boeing Sky Interior, providing sculpted sidewalls, LED lighting and pivot-style overhead bins.

The Boeing 737 NG is powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B high-bypass turbofan engines. These engines provide improved thrust, lower fuel consumption and significantly reduced emissions compared with the CFM56-3 engines used on the Boeing 737 Classic.

Depending on the variant, thrust ranges from approximately 20,600 to 27,300 pounds.

Major advantages include:

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• High reliability
• Reduced emissions
• Lower maintenance costs
• FADEC engine control
• Excellent dispatch reliability
• Worldwide support network

The CFM56-7B became one of the most successful commercial turbofan engines ever developed.

The Boeing 737 NG retains conventional mechanically actuated flight controls with hydraulic power assistance while incorporating improved digital flight control computers and enhanced autopilot capabilities.

Primary controls:

• Ailerons
• Elevators
• Rudder

Secondary controls:

• Leading-edge slats
• Double-slotted flaps
• Flight spoilers
• Ground spoilers
• Speed brakes
• Elevator trim
• Rudder trim
• Aileron trim

These systems provide predictable handling qualities while maintaining commonality across the Boeing 737 family.

The Boeing 737 NG features the Honeywell integrated digital avionics suite with six LCD displays, advanced flight management systems and comprehensive aircraft monitoring.

Typical avionics include:

• Honeywell Flight Management System
• Electronic Flight Instrument System
• LCD Primary Flight Displays
• Navigation Displays
• TCAS II
• Enhanced GPWS
• Weather Radar
• GPS Navigation
• Radio Altimeter
• Digital Autopilot
• Cockpit Voice Recorder
• Flight Data Recorder

These systems significantly improve operational efficiency and safety.

The Boeing 737 NG employs a hydraulically operated retractable tricycle landing gear designed for increased aircraft weights and intensive airline operations.

The strengthened landing gear supports higher maximum takeoff weights while maintaining the Boeing 737's characteristic low ground stance.

Features include:

• Twin-wheel nose gear
• Dual-wheel main landing gear
• Carbon brakes
• Anti-skid system
• Hydraulic steering
• Oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers

The Boeing 737 NG offers significantly improved performance compared with the Boeing 737 Classic.

Typical performance:

• Cruise Speed: 842 km/h (Mach 0.785)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 0.82
• Range: Up to approximately 6,480 km depending on variant
• Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft

The redesigned wing and improved engines allow longer routes, increased payload and lower fuel consumption.

The Boeing 737 NG incorporates advanced diagnostics, modular systems and improved maintenance accessibility. Airlines benefit from reduced downtime, extended inspection intervals and one of the highest dispatch reliability rates in commercial aviation.

Routine maintenance includes:

• Transit inspections
• A Checks
• C Checks
• Structural inspections
• Engine borescope inspections
• Avionics diagnostics
• Hydraulic servicing
• Brake monitoring
• Corrosion inspections

The Boeing 737 NG incorporates numerous safety enhancements including:

• TCAS II
• Enhanced GPWS
• Digital Flight Management
• Dual hydraulic systems
• Dual electrical systems
• Engine fire suppression
• Cargo fire protection
• Weather radar
• Emergency oxygen
• Ice protection
• Cockpit Voice Recorder
• Flight Data Recorder

The Boeing 737 NG has accumulated tens of millions of flight hours worldwide and remains one of the safest and most reliable narrow-body aircraft families ever produced.