737 NG Family

The third-generation 737, the single-aisle workhorse that preceded the MAX, spanning the 737-700, -800 and -900ER.

By Ian Molyneaux

✓ Verified against manufacturer & regulator data

737 NG Family at a glance

Variants

Seats

126-220

Max Range

3,010

First Entry

1998

The Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) is the third generation of the 737, introduced in 1997 with CFM56-7B engines, a larger wing and a glass cockpit. Its main passenger variants are the 737-700, the best-selling 737-800 and the stretched 737-900ER.

Passenger production has ended in favour of the 737 MAX, but thousands of NGs remain in front-line service worldwide. Below, each variant is compared side by side; the rest of the page covers operators and the latest 737 NG news from AeroTime.

Variant comparison

Specification	Boeing 737-900ER	Boeing 737-800	Boeing 737-700
Typical seats (2-class)	126-149	126-149	126-149
Maximum seats	220	189	149
Range	2,950	2,935	3,010
Length	42.11 m	39.47 m	33.63 m

Full specifications

Manufacturer

Boeing

Body Type

Narrowbody

Engines

CFM56-7B

Seat Range

126-220

Range

2,935-3,010

Common type rating

Shared across the entire 737 family

First entry into service

1998

Predecessor

Boeing 737 Classic

Operators

Airlines currently operating or having ordered the 737 NG Family include:

American Airlines Delta Air Lines Ryanair Southwest Airlines United Airlines

Frequently asked questions

Which 737 NG variants are still common?

The 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER remain widely operated, with the 737-800 by far the most numerous.

Is the 737 NG still in production?

Passenger production has ended in favour of the 737 MAX, though military and business-jet derivatives continued and the global NG fleet remains very large.