Boeing 737-800 Overview - Airportix (2024)

Boeing 737 800 Overview

The Boeing 737-800, sometimes referred to as the 738-Boeing 737, airplane belongs to the Boeing 737 Next Generation family of airliners developed in the 1990s. Therefore, it can be abbreviated as Boeing 737-800 NG.

The Boeing 737 800 twin-engine passenger airplane is a family of narrow-body airplanes designed for short- and medium-range routes. First of all, Boeing 737-800 was designed to replace the Boeing 737-400 passenger airliner of the “Classic” series. Today, the direct competitor for the Boeing 737-800 is the Airbus A320 narrow-body passenger airplane.

The maximum capacity of the Boeing 737-800 is 189 passengers. More seats cannot be placed in the airplane, as evacuation time standards will not be met. To meet them, emergency exits had to be added to the fuselage.

Development History of the Boeing 737 800

Boeing launched the Boeing 737-800 program in 1994 after receiving an order for more than 40 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 made its first flight on July 31, 1997.

Certification of the airliner was completed on March 13, 1998, and the first delivery was made to German airline Hapag-Lloyd on April 22, 1998. Two days later, on April 24, the aircraft made its first commercial flight.

Work on the Boeing 737 800 aircraft commenced on September 5, 1994, initially under the project name 737-400X Stretch, indicating its predecessor status. The project was later renamed to 737-800.

Compared to its predecessor, the Boeing 737-400, the fuselage of the new aircraft increased in length by 3.02 meters, resulting in an expanded passenger capacity. In a two-class cabin configuration, it accommodates 162 passenger seats, including 12 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. In a single-class configuration, the passenger capacity reaches 189 seats.

Powered by CFM International CFM56-7B24s turbofan engines with a thrust of 107.6 kN, some Boeing 737-800s with increased payload capacity were equipped with CFM56-7B27s engines, boasting a thrust of 121.4 kN.

The aircraft is equipped with digital avionics EFIS from the American company “Honeywell,” displaying information on six multifunctional LCD screens. It also features an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Head-Up Display (HUD).

The maiden flight of the Boeing 737 800 took place on July 31, 1997, with the first deliveries to airlines occurring in April 1998. “Hapag-Lloyd Flug” became the first customer, while “Ryanair,” an Irish airline and one of the largest budget carriers in Europe, placed the largest order for 299 units of the 738 Boeing 737. Currently, these aircraft operate in a single-class, economical cabin layout, providing 189 passenger seats.

738 Boeing 737 Modifications

Boeing 737-800BCF is the cargo version of the aircraft, equipped with a side cargo door, allowing it to transport up to 26,300 kg of cargo over a range of 3,218 km.

Boeing 737 P-8 Poseidon is a versatile aircraft designed for naval aviation, based on the 737-800ERX. It aims to replace the aging P-3 Orion, a legendary anti-submarine aircraft from the Cold War era. The P-8 Poseidon is designed for detecting and eliminating enemy submarines in patrol areas, participating in reconnaissance, anti-ship, and rescue operations in coastal and open ocean regions. It is based on the structure of the updated Boeing 737-800, featuring wings without winglets but with enhanced wing sweep.

The Boeing 737-800 cabin follows a standard layout designed to accommodate six seats per row in a 3+3 formula, separated by an aisle.
Some airlines incorporate a full-fledged business class in the cabin, featuring wider seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration on the Boeing 737-800 seat map, resulting in a reduced overall cabin capacity.

Above the Boeing 737-800 seating, there are overhead compartments for carry-on luggage. Two lavatories are located in the tail of the aircraft, and one is situated in the front near the co*ckpit.

The Boeing 737-800 first class does not feature a configuration. This model is typically used for medium and short-haul flights and is equipped with a two-class configuration, including business class and economy class. The passenger cabin can vary in seating capacity based on specific airline requirements, but the absence of a Boeing 737 800 first class is a standard feature for the plane.

The seating arrangement can be observed on the Boeing 737-800 Seat Map below: