History of Boeing 737 in Timeline
The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing. It was designed to complement the 727 on shorter routes, retaining a similar fuselage but with two underwing engines. First conceived in 1964, the 737-100 debuted in 1967 and began commercial flights in 1968 with Lufthansa. A longer 737-200 followed shortly after. Over four generations, the 737 has seen numerous variants, accommodating 85 to 215 passengers.
1955: Competitors' Early Entry into Service
By 1955, Boeing's competitors had already introduced aircraft like the SE 210 Caravelle, putting Boeing behind in the short-haul jet market.
1959: Start of Boeing's Analysis of Commercial Jet Accidents
In 1959, Boeing initiated an analysis of commercial jet airplane accidents, aiming to understand and improve the safety of its aircraft. This analysis covered accidents from 1959 to 2013 and provided valuable insights into hull loss rates across different 737 series.
May 11, 1964: Preliminary Design Work Begins
On May 11, 1964, Boeing began preliminary design work on the 737, targeting a market for a small airliner for short routes.
October 1964: Concept Design Presentation
In October 1964, Boeing's chief project engineer Jack Steiner presented the 737 concept design at the Air Transport Association maintenance and engineering conference.
1964: Envisioning the Boeing 737
In 1964, Boeing envisioned the 737 to supplement the 727 on short and thin routes, laying the groundwork for its future development.
February 1, 1965: 737 Development Launch Decision
On February 1, 1965, Boeing's board approved the $150 million development of the 737, aimed at offering big-jet comfort on short-haul routes.
February 1965: Boeing 737-100 Launch
The Boeing 737-100, the smallest variant of the 737 family, was officially launched in February 1965.
February 19, 1965: Lufthansa Becomes Launch Customer
On February 19, 1965, Lufthansa placed an order for 21 Boeing 737 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the new model.
April 5, 1965: United Airlines Order
On April 5, 1965, United Airlines ordered 40 Boeing 737 aircraft, leading to the development of the larger 737-200 variant.
1965: Boeing 737-200 Launch
The Boeing 737-200, a stretched variant of the 737-100, was launched in 1965 with an order from United Airlines.
January 17, 1967: Rollout of 737-100
On January 17, 1967, Boeing rolled out the first 737-100, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft's development.
April 9, 1967: Maiden Flight of 737-100
The Boeing 737-100 took its maiden flight on April 9, 1967, piloted by Brien Wygle and Lew Wallick.
April 1967: First Flight of Boeing 737-100
In April 1967, the Boeing 737-100 made its first flight, marking the beginning of the 737 series. This event initiated a new era for Boeing's narrow-body airliners.
June 29, 1967: Rollout of 737-200
On June 29, 1967, Boeing rolled out the first 737-200, a lengthened version of the original 737-100.
August 8, 1967: Maiden Flight of 737-200
The Boeing 737-200 had its maiden flight on August 8, 1967, showcasing the new variant's capabilities.
December 15, 1967: FAA Type Certification
On December 15, 1967, the FAA issued Type Certificate A16WE for the Boeing 737-100, certifying it for commercial flight.
December 21, 1967: FAA Certification of 737-200
The FAA certified the Boeing 737-200 on December 21, 1967, clearing it for commercial operations.
December 28, 1967: First Delivery to Lufthansa
Boeing delivered the first 737-100 to Lufthansa on December 28, 1967, marking the start of its commercial operations.
February 10, 1968: Lufthansa Launches 737-100
On February 10, 1968, Lufthansa became the first non-American airline to launch a new Boeing aircraft with the 737-100.
February 1968: Service Entry with Lufthansa
In February 1968, the Boeing 737-100 entered service with Lufthansa, making it the first airline to operate this new aircraft.
February 1968: Boeing 737-100 Enters Service
The Boeing 737-100 entered service with Lufthansa in February 1968, marking the beginning of the 737 family's commercial operation.
April 1968: Boeing 737-200 Enters Service
The Boeing 737-200, a stretched version of the 737-100, entered service with United Airlines in April 1968.
1968: Boeing 737 Thrust Reversal System Improved
In 1968, Boeing introduced an improved thrust reversal system for the 737, addressing the ineffectiveness of the initial design inherited from the 727. The improved system featured a tailpipe extension and redesigned thrust reversers.
March 1969: Improved Thrust Reversal System Becomes Standard
In March 1969, an improved thrust reversal system became standard on all Boeing 737 aircraft. This system featured a 48-inch tailpipe extension and new target-style thrust reversers for better performance.
October 31, 1969: Last 737-100 Commercial Delivery
On October 31, 1969, the final commercial Boeing 737-100 aircraft was delivered to Malaysia–Singapore Airlines (MSA).
1969: Peak Deliveries
In 1969, Boeing experienced a peak in 737 deliveries with 114 units shipped, reflecting strong initial demand.
May 20, 1971: Introduction of 737-200 Advanced
On May 20, 1971, All Nippon Airways introduced the improved 737-200 Advanced into service, offering enhanced performance.
June 1971: Boeing 737-200 Advanced Becomes Production Standard
In June 1971, the Boeing 737-200 Advanced, featuring aerodynamic improvements, more powerful engines, and increased fuel capacity, became the production standard for the 737-200 series.
1972: Low Sales Year
By 1972, sales of the Boeing 737 had declined significantly, with only 22 aircraft delivered and 19 in backlog.
1972: Boeing 737-200 Unit Cost
In 1972, the unit cost of a Boeing 737-200 was US$5.2 million, equivalent to approximately US$37.9 million today.
July 31, 1973: First T-43 Delivered to U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force received its first T-43, a modified Boeing 737-200 for navigator training, on July 31, 1973.
1973: Boeing T-43 Introduction and Delivery
In 1973, Boeing delivered the first T-43 aircraft to the United States Air Force. The T-43 was a modified Boeing 737-200 designed for navigator training.
July 19, 1974: Last T-43 Delivered to U.S. Air Force
The final delivery of the T-43, a modified Boeing 737-200 used for training aircraft navigators, to the U.S. Air Force took place on July 19, 1974.
1974: Continued Delivery of the Boeing T-43
Boeing continued the delivery of the T-43 aircraft to the United States Air Force in 1974. The aircraft would be used for training navigators, who would later be known as USAF combat systems officers.
1979: Development of First Major Boeing 737 Revision Begins
Boeing initiated the development of the first major revision of the 737 in 1979, aiming to enhance capacity, range, and incorporate modern specifications while maintaining commonality with existing variants.
1980: Preliminary Specifications of Boeing 737-300 Released
Boeing unveiled the preliminary specifications of the 737-300, the first major upgrade of the 737, at the Farnborough Airshow in 1980.
1980: Launch of 737 Classic
In 1980, Boeing launched the 737 Classic series, which introduced the -300/400/500 variants with more fuel-efficient engines and increased passenger capacity.
October 1983: Last Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller Delivered to Indonesia
The final delivery of the Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller, a modified 737-200 equipped for maritime reconnaissance, to the Indonesian Air Force occurred in October 1983.
February 24, 1984: First Flight of Boeing 737-300 Prototype
The prototype of the Boeing 737-300, the 1,001st 737 aircraft built, successfully completed its first flight on February 24, 1984, marking a significant milestone in the development of the 737 Classic series.
1984: Introduction of 737 Classic
The 737 Classic series was introduced in 1984, featuring updated engines and enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors.
1984: Boeing 737 Classic Production Begins
The production of the Boeing 737 Classic series, which includes the -300/400/500 models, commenced in 1984.
1985: Launch of the Boeing 737-400
The Boeing 737-400 was launched in 1985 as a response to market demand for a larger aircraft to bridge the gap between the existing 737-300 and the 757-200 models.
June 1986: Boeing Announces Development of the 737-400
In June 1986, Boeing officially announced the development of the 737-400, a stretched version designed to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200.
1987: Launch of the Boeing 737-500
In 1987, Boeing introduced the 737-500, a new variant designed to provide a modern and direct replacement for the aging 737-200 model.
February 19, 1988: First Flight of the Boeing 737-400
On February 19, 1988, the Boeing 737-400 took its first flight, marking a significant step in the evolution of the 737 family.
March 1988: Boeing's Delivery Milestone
Between March 1988 and December 2018, Boeing achieved a significant milestone by delivering 8,918 aircraft from the 737 family.
August 1988: Final Boeing 737-200 Delivered
The 1,095th and last Boeing 737-200 series aircraft was delivered to Xiamen Airlines in August 1988, marking the end of production for this variant.
June 30, 1989: First Flight of the Boeing 737-500
On June 30, 1989, the Boeing 737-500, designed as a modern replacement for the 737-200, successfully completed its inaugural flight.
February 28, 1990: First Delivery of the Boeing 737-500
Southwest Airlines received the first delivery of the Boeing 737-500 on February 28, 1990, marking the official entry of this model into commercial service.
November 1993: Boeing Launches the 737-700
Boeing launched the 737-700 in November 1993 with an order for 63 aircraft.
September 5, 1994: Boeing Launches the 737-800
The Boeing 737-800, a stretched version of the 737-700 designed to accommodate more passengers, was officially launched on September 5, 1994.
March 1995: Boeing Launches the 737-600
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) placed an order for the Boeing 737-600 in March 1995, marking the launch of this new variant as the smallest in the Next-Generation series.
1996: Production Begins on the Boeing 737 Next Generation
Production of the Boeing 737 Next Generation series commenced in 1996, marking a pivotal moment in the development of this technologically advanced aircraft family.
December 1997: First Delivery of the Boeing 737-700
Southwest Airlines, the launch customer, received the first delivery of the 737-700 in December 1997.
1997: Boeing Launches the 737-900
In 1997, Boeing announced the launch of the 737-900, expanding the Next-Generation 737 family with a larger and higher-capacity variant.
1997: Introduction of the Boeing 737 Next Generation
In 1997, Boeing introduced the 737 Next Generation, a significant upgrade to the 737 family.
April 1998: First Delivery of the Boeing 737-800
In April 1998, Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUIfly) took delivery of the first Boeing 737-800, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the 737 family.
August 11, 1998: Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Debut
On August 11, 1998, the first Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), based on the 737-700, was unveiled. This marked Boeing's entry into the business jet market, offering a modified 737 with enhanced features like stronger wings and increased range.
September 1998: First Delivery of the Boeing 737-600
In September 1998, the first Boeing 737-600 aircraft was delivered, marking the official entry of this model into service.
October 11, 1999: Boeing BBJ2 Launch
On October 11, 1999, Boeing introduced the BBJ2, a larger business jet based on the 737-800. It offered increased cabin space and baggage capacity compared to the BBJ1.
February 28, 2000: Last Delivery of the Boeing 737-400
On February 28, 2000, the last two Boeing 737-400s, marking the end of the 737 Classic series, were delivered to CSA Czech Airlines.
August 3, 2000: First Flight of the Boeing 737-900
The Boeing 737-900 took its maiden flight on August 3, 2000, marking a key step in the development of this larger variant of the Next-Generation 737 family.
2000: Fuel Costs Represent 15% of Airline Ticket Prices
In 2000, fuel costs constituted 15% of the retail price of an airline ticket.
2000: Blended Winglets Become Standard on Boeing 737 NG
Since 2000, blended winglets have been a standard feature on the Boeing 737 NG, enhancing fuel efficiency by up to 5%.
2000: End of Boeing 737 Classic Production
The production of the Boeing 737 Classic series ended in 2000 after a successful run.
February 28, 2001: First BBJ2 Delivery
The first BBJ2 was delivered on February 28, 2001, marking a significant step in Boeing's expansion within the business jet market.
May 15, 2001: First Delivery of the Boeing 737-900
On May 15, 2001, Alaska Airlines, the launch customer, received the first delivery of the Boeing 737-900, marking the official entry of this model into commercial service.
2004: Boeing Removes Eyebrow Windows from 737 Cockpit Design
Boeing eliminated the "eyebrow windows" above the main glareshield from the 737 cockpit design in 2004 due to the advancements in modern avionics that made them redundant.
2005: Quiet Wing Corp Modification Kit Receives Certification
In 2005, Quiet Wing Corp's modification kit, which included 737-200 Mini-winglets, received certification.
January 31, 2006: Boeing Launches the 737-700ER
On January 31, 2006, Boeing introduced the 737-700ER (Extended Range), a variant that combined the fuselage of the 737-700 with the wings and landing gear of the 737-800.
February 13, 2006: Boeing Delivers 5,000th 737 to Southwest Airlines
On February 13, 2006, Boeing achieved a significant milestone by delivering the 5,000th 737 aircraft to Southwest Airlines, showcasing the aircraft's popularity and market dominance.
2006: Boeing 737: A Global Presence
By 2006, the Boeing 737 had become a ubiquitous presence in the skies, with over 4,500 aircraft operated by more than 500 airlines globally.
2006: Last Boeing 737-600 Delivered
The final Boeing 737-600 without winglets rolled off the production line and was delivered to WestJet in 2006, marking the end of production for this particular model.
2007: Alaska Airlines Retires Boeing 737-200 Fleet
In 2007, Alaska Airlines retired its fleet of Boeing 737-200 aircraft, which were equipped with gravel kits for operating on unimproved runways in Alaska.
March 2008: Last Scheduled Passenger Flights of Boeing 737-200 in U.S.
March 2008 marked the end of scheduled passenger flights for the Boeing 737-200 in the United States, with the last flights operated by Aloha Airlines.
June 4, 2008: United Airlines Announces Retirement of Boeing 737 Classic Fleet
On June 4, 2008, United Airlines announced its decision to retire all 94 of its Boeing 737 Classic aircraft, consisting of 64 737-300s and 30 737-500s.
August 2008: First Boeing BBJ3 Completion
Boeing finished building the first BBJ3 in August 2008. Based on the 737-900ER, this model boasted a significantly larger interior space and an increased range, further solidifying Boeing's presence in the business jet sector.
2008: Boeing 737 Most Commonly Flown Aircraft
The Boeing 737 earned the title of the most frequently flown aircraft in 2008.
2008: Fuel Costs Soar, Impacting Airline Industry
The year 2008 witnessed a significant peak in jet fuel prices, with airlines allocating 40% of the retail price of an air ticket to cover fuel expenses, compared to 15% in 2000. Consequently, carriers retired less fuel-efficient aircraft, including the Boeing 737 Classic, to mitigate the impact of high fuel costs.
April 2009: Boeing Delivers 6,000th 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle
In April 2009, Boeing achieved a significant production milestone by delivering the 6,000th 737 aircraft to Norwegian Air Shuttle, highlighting the aircraft's global demand and market presence.
2009: Boeing 737 Maintains Dominance
The Boeing 737 maintained its position as the most commonly flown aircraft in 2009.
December 2010: Airbus Launches the A320neo Family
Airbus launched the A320neo family, a direct competitor to the 737 MAX, in December 2010.
2010: Flydubai Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 with Sky Interior
Flydubai received the first Boeing 737 featuring the redesigned Sky Interior in late 2010.
2010: Boeing T-43 Retirement
In 2010, the Air Education and Training Command retired the T-43 aircraft after 37 years of service.
2010: Boeing 737 Continues as Most Flown Aircraft
The Boeing 737 remained the most commonly flown aircraft in 2010, demonstrating its sustained popularity and reliability in the aviation industry.
July 20, 2011: Boeing Announces Plans for 737 MAX
Boeing announced its plans for a third major upgrade to the 737, the 737 MAX, on July 20, 2011, with American Airlines expressing interest in ordering 100 aircraft.
December 16, 2011: Boeing Delivers 7,000th 737 to Flydubai
On December 16, 2011, Boeing celebrated the delivery of its 7,000th 737 aircraft to Flydubai, marking another significant achievement in the production and popularity of the 737 series.
February 2012: Boeing Launches 737 MAX 9 with Significant Order
Boeing received an order for 201 aircraft in February 2012, marking the launch of the 737 MAX 9 program.
July 2012: Boeing Receives 10,000th 737 Order
In July 2012, Boeing reached a historic milestone with the 10,000th order for its 737 aircraft, highlighting the aircraft's enduring popularity and demand in the global aviation market.
2012: Boeing 737 EcoDemonstrator Program Begins
In 2012, Boeing initiated the ecoDemonstrator program, using a new 737-800 designated for American Airlines as the first test aircraft. The program aimed to explore and implement technologies to minimize the environmental footprint of aviation, focusing on areas like fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and noise reduction.
July 23, 2013: Boeing Finalizes 737 MAX 8 Design
On July 23, 2013, Boeing finalized the design of the 737 MAX 8, the inaugural variant of the 737 MAX series.
2013: Global 737 Fleet Milestone
By 2013, the global fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft had completed over 184 million flights and 264 million block hours since its entry into service.
2013: Conclusion of Boeing's Analysis of Commercial Jet Accidents
In 2013, Boeing concluded its comprehensive analysis of commercial jet airplane accidents, which began in 1959. The analysis revealed that the hull loss rate for the Original 737 series was 1.75 per million departures, 0.54 for the Classic series, and 0.27 for the Next Generation series.
2013: Boeing 737: A Quarter of the Global Fleet
In 2013, the Boeing 737 constituted over 25% of the world's large jet airliner fleet, with more than 5,580 aircraft in service across 111 countries. This demonstrates the 737's significant contribution to global air travel.
April 14, 2014: Southwest Airlines Conducts First Flight of 737-800 with Split Scimitar Winglets
Southwest Airlines completed the inaugural flight of a Boeing 737-800 equipped with Split Scimitar winglets on April 14, 2014.
April 16, 2014: Boeing Delivers 8,000th 737 to United Airlines
Boeing reached a significant production milestone on April 16, 2014, with the delivery of the 8,000th 737 aircraft to United Airlines, underscoring the aircraft's sustained success in the market.
September 2014: Boeing Introduces the 737 MAX 200
In September 2014, Boeing unveiled the 737 MAX 200, a high-density variant of the 737 MAX 8 designed to accommodate up to 200 passengers.
2015: Split Scimitar Winglets Availability Expands for Boeing 737 Models
In 2015, the availability of Split Scimitar winglets was expanded to include the Boeing 737-700, 737-900, and BBJ1 models.
January 29, 2016: First Flight of the Boeing 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX completed its inaugural test flight on January 29, 2016, marking a crucial step towards its entry into commercial service.
2016: Boeing Explores 737 MAX 10 Concept
Boeing began exploring the concept of the 737 MAX 10, envisioned as a stretched version of the MAX 9, in mid-2016.
2016: Boeing Launches 737-800BCF Program
In 2016, Boeing launched the 737-800BCF program, aiming to repurpose older 737-800 passenger aircraft into dedicated freighters. This move targeted the growing cargo market and extended the lifecycle of existing aircraft.
March 7, 2017: Boeing 737 MAX 9 Rollout
On March 7, 2017, Boeing unveiled the 737 MAX 9, the extended version of the MAX 8.
March 8, 2017: FAA Certifies the Boeing 737 MAX
On March 8, 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted type certification to the Boeing 737 MAX, clearing it for commercial flights.
April 13, 2017: Maiden Flight of the Boeing 737 MAX 9
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 completed its first flight on April 13, 2017.
May 6, 2017: First Delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX
Lion Air's subsidiary, Malindo Air, received the first delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on May 6, 2017, marking the official start of its commercial operation.
May 22, 2017: First Commercial Flight of the Boeing 737 MAX
Malindo Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, commenced commercial passenger flights using the Boeing 737 MAX on May 22, 2017.
June 19, 2017: Boeing Launches 737 MAX 10 with Strong Customer Interest
Boeing launched the 737 MAX 10 on June 19, 2017, securing 240 orders and commitments from more than ten customers.
2017: Alaska Airlines Retires 737-400 Combi Aircraft
In 2017, Alaska Airlines retired its fleet of 737-400 Combi aircraft, which were modified for both passenger and freight transport, replacing them with the newer 737-700F from the Next Generation series.
2017: Service Entry of 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX entered service in 2017, featuring advanced engines and improved efficiency, marking the latest generation of the 737 series.
February 2018: Boeing 737 MAX 9 Achieves Certification
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 was awarded certification in February 2018.
March 13, 2018: 10,000th Boeing 737 Rolls Out
On March 13, 2018, the 10,000th Boeing 737 aircraft was rolled out, a testament to the enduring popularity of this aircraft model, which had a backlog of over 4,600 aircraft at the time.
March 21, 2018: Lion Air Group Receives First Boeing 737 MAX 9
Lion Air Group, the launch customer, received the first 737 MAX 9 on March 21, 2018.
October 2018: Lion Air Flight 610 Crashes
In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating as Lion Air Flight 610 crashed, raising significant safety concerns about the aircraft model.
November 2018: First Boeing 737 MAX 200 Rolls Out
The first Boeing 737 MAX 200, out of the 135 ordered by Ryanair, was rolled out in mid-November 2018, configured for 197 seats.
2018: Boeing 737-200 in Charter Service
As of 2018, the Boeing 737-200 continued to see regular service in North America through charter operators like Sierra Pacific Airlines.
2018: Boeing 737: 22 Billion Passengers Transported
By 2018, the global fleet of Boeing 737s had transported over 22 billion passengers since its introduction, highlighting the aircraft's immense contribution to air travel.
2018: Boeing Tests Noise Reduction Technology on 737 MAX 7
In 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 7 prototype was used in the Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3 (QTD3) program. This involved testing a NASA-designed engine inlet aimed at reducing noise pollution from aircraft.
2018: First 737-800BCF Delivery
The first 737-800BCF, converted from a passenger jet to a freighter, was delivered to GECAS in 2018 and leased to West Atlantic, marking a key milestone in Boeing's freighter conversion program.
January 13, 2019: First Flight of the Boeing 737 MAX 200
The Boeing 737 MAX 200 took its first flight on January 13, 2019, from Renton.
January 2019: Boeing 737 MAX 7 Entry into Service Delayed
Initially planned for January 2019, the launch of the Boeing 737 MAX 7 with Southwest Airlines was postponed until 2023-2024.
January 2019: Boeing 737 MAX Orders Reach 5,011
As of January 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX series had garnered an impressive 5,011 firm orders, showcasing its strong market appeal despite facing increasing competition.
March 2019: 737 MAX Grounding
Following two fatal crashes, the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in March 2019, highlighting significant safety concerns.
March 2019: Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Crashes, Leading to 737 MAX Grounding
In March 2019, another Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, tragically crashed. Following this second fatal incident, civil aviation authorities worldwide made the critical decision to ground the entire 737 MAX series.
March 2019: Global Grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX
In March 2019, aviation authorities worldwide made the unprecedented decision to ground the Boeing 737 MAX fleet following two tragic accidents that resulted in the loss of 346 lives, casting a shadow over the aircraft's safety record.
April 2019: Planned Entry into Service for the Boeing 737 MAX 200
The Boeing 737 MAX 200 was scheduled to commence commercial service in April 2019.
May 2019: Boeing 737 Next Generation Production and Orders Update
By May 2019, Boeing had received an impressive total of 7,097 orders for the 737 Next Generation series, with 7,031 aircraft already delivered, demonstrating the immense popularity and commercial success of this generation.
October 2019: Boeing 737 Orders Drop, A320 Family Takes the Lead
In October 2019, after holding the record for the highest cumulative orders for any airliner, the Boeing 737 was surpassed by the Airbus A320 family. This shift was largely driven by a 90% decline in 737 orders following the grounding of the 737 MAX in March 2019 due to safety concerns.
November 22, 2019: Boeing Unveils 737 MAX 10 at Renton Factory
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 was officially unveiled at Boeing's Renton factory on November 22, 2019.
December 16, 2019: Boeing Announces 737 MAX Production Suspension
Following two fatal crashes, Boeing announced on December 16, 2019, that it would temporarily halt production of the 737 MAX starting in January 2020, marking a major setback for the company.
January 2020: Boeing Halts 737 MAX Production
Boeing suspended the production of the 737 MAX in January 2020 as a consequence of the global grounding, signaling the severity of the situation and its impact on the company's operations.
January 2020: Boeing Prioritizes 737 MAX Return to Service, Shelves NMA Project
In January 2020, Boeing shifted its focus to resolving the issues with the 737 MAX and its return to service, putting the New Midsize Airplane (NMA) project on hold.
January 2020: Boeing Announces Suspension of 737 MAX Production
In January 2020, amidst the ongoing crisis surrounding the 737 MAX groundings, Boeing made the difficult announcement to suspend production of the aircraft, citing the need to prioritize safety and address the technical issues that led to the tragic accidents.
May 2020: Boeing Resumes 737 MAX Production
Boeing resumed the production of the 737 MAX in May 2020, albeit at a reduced rate, indicating a cautious step towards recovering from the grounding and addressing the identified safety concerns.
May 27, 2020: Boeing Resumes 737 MAX Production
After a five-month suspension due to safety concerns following two fatal crashes, Boeing resumed production of the 737 MAX series on May 27, 2020, marking a significant step towards the aircraft's return to service.
November 2020: 737 MAX Grounding Lifted
In November 2020, the worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX was lifted, allowing the aircraft to return to service after extensive safety reviews.
November 18, 2020: FAA Clears 737 MAX for Return to Service
After a lengthy grounding and review process, the FAA cleared the Boeing 737 MAX to return to service on November 18, 2020, subject to necessary repairs and updated pilot training.
December 9, 2020: Gol Becomes First Airline to Resume 737 MAX Passenger Flights
Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol became the world's first airline to resume passenger flights using the Boeing 737 MAX on December 9, 2020, marking a significant step towards the aircraft's return to widespread use.
2020: Scheduled First Flight of the Boeing 737 MAX 10
The inaugural flight of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 was planned for 2020.
August 2021: Top Boeing 737 Operators
As of August 2021, the five largest operators of the Boeing 737 were Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
2021: Boeing 737 MAX 9 as EcoDemonstrator
In 2021, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 was used in the ecoDemonstrator program, focusing heavily on testing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The program explored SAF blends of up to 50%, including a transatlantic flight from Seattle to Glasgow for the UN COP26 Climate Change Conference, highlighting Boeing's commitment to environmentally friendly aviation solutions.
2022: Boeing Delivers EcoDemonstrator 737 MAX 9 to Alaska Airlines
Following the completion of its role in the ecoDemonstrator program, the Boeing 737 MAX 9, specially modified and painted in Alaska Airlines livery, was returned to its standard configuration. The aircraft was then delivered to Alaska Airlines in 2022, marking the successful conclusion of its testing phase.
September 2023: High Number of Boeing 737-200s Still in Service
As of September 2023, a surprisingly high number of Boeing 737-200 aircraft remain in active service compared to other early jet airliners, with 50 examples flying for 30 different carriers.
October 2023: Southwest Airlines Remains Top Boeing 737 Operator
As of October 2023, Southwest Airlines continued to hold its position as the largest operator of the Boeing 737.
October 2023: Boeing Tests SAF Emissions on 737 MAX 10
During October 2023, a Boeing 737 MAX 10, intended for United Airlines, was used in a series of test flights under the ecoDemonstrator Explorer program. The main objective was to analyze the emissions of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including contrail formation, in comparison to conventional jet fuel. NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Lab closely followed the 737 during these tests.
November 2023: Boeing 737 Safety Record
As of November 2023, the Boeing 737 family's safety record showed that the aircraft had been involved in 529 aviation accidents and incidents, including 215 hull loss accidents, tragically resulting in 5,779 fatalities.
2023: Historical Cost Adjustment
By 2023, Lufthansa's initial $67 million order for 21 Boeing 737 aircraft was equivalent to approximately $494 million.
January 2024: Grounding of 737 MAX 9
In January 2024, most 737 MAX 9 aircraft were grounded following an incident involving uncontrolled decompression, raising further safety concerns.
April 2024: Boeing 737 Orders and Deliveries
As of April 2024, Boeing had received orders for 16,526 Boeing 737s and delivered 11,743 of them, reflecting its enduring popularity.
April 2024: Boeing 737 Orders Reach 16,526
By April 2024, the Boeing 737 family had garnered a total of 16,526 orders, with 4,783 pending, highlighting the continued demand for this aircraft model.
2024: Fourth Assembly Line for 737 MAX
In 2024, Boeing plans to open a fourth assembly line for the 737 MAX at the Everett factory, expanding its production capacity.
