History of Boeing 737 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body aircraft manufactured by Boeing in Renton, Washington. Designed as a complement to the Boeing 727 for shorter routes, it features a fuselage width accommodating six-abreast seating and two underwing Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines. Conceptualized in 1964, the original 737-100 first flew in April 1967 and began service with Lufthansa in February 1968. The stretched 737-200 entered service in April 1968. The 737 has evolved through four generations, offering variants that can carry between 85 and 215 passengers.

1979: Development of Boeing 737's first major revision begins

In 1979, development began for the first major revision of the Boeing 737, initially introduced as the 'new generation'.

1980: Preliminary 737-300 aircraft specifications released at Farnborough Airshow

In 1980, the preliminary aircraft specifications for the Boeing 737-300 variant were released at the Farnborough Airshow.

February 24, 1984: First flight of the Boeing 737-300 prototype

On February 24, 1984, the prototype Boeing 737-300, which was the 1,001st 737 built, completed its first flight with pilot Jim McRoberts.

1984: Boeing 737 Classic production begins

In 1984, Boeing began producing the 737 Classic series, which included the -300, -400, and -500 models.

1985: Launch of the 737-400

In 1985, Boeing launched the 737-400 aircraft to fill the gap between the 737-300 and the 757-200.

June 1986: Boeing announces development of the 737-400

In June 1986, Boeing announced the development of the 737-400, a stretched version of the 737-300 with increased capacity.

1987: Launch of Boeing 737-500

In 1987, Southwest Airlines launched the Boeing 737-500 with an order for 20 aircraft.

February 19, 1988: First flight of the Boeing 737-400

On February 19, 1988, the Boeing 737-400 completed its first flight.

June 30, 1989: First flight of the Boeing 737-500

On June 30, 1989, the Boeing 737-500 completed its first flight.

February 28, 1990: First Boeing 737-500 delivery to Southwest Airlines

On February 28, 1990, Southwest Airlines received the first delivery of the Boeing 737-500.

November 1993: Boeing authorizes the Next Generation program

In November 1993, Boeing's board of directors authorized the Next Generation program to upgrade the 737 Classic series.

November 1993: Launch of the 737-700

In November 1993, the Boeing 737-700 was launched with an order of 63 aircraft.

September 5, 1994: Launch of the 737-800

On September 5, 1994, the Boeing 737-800, a stretched version of the 737-700, was launched.

March 1995: Scandinavian Airlines places order for the 737-600

In March 1995, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) placed its order for the 737-600.

1996: Production of the Boeing 737 Next Generation begins

Production of the Boeing 737 Next Generation, which includes the -600, -700, -800 and -900 variants, began in 1996.

July 31, 1997: First flight of the Boeing 737-800

On July 31, 1997, the Boeing 737-800 completed its first flight.

December 1997: First Boeing 737-700 delivery to Southwest Airlines

In December 1997, Southwest Airlines took the first delivery of the Boeing 737-700.

1997: Introduction of the Boeing 737 Next Generation

The Boeing 737 Next Generation was introduced in 1997.

April 1998: First Boeing 737-800 delivery to Hapag-Lloyd Flug

In April 1998, Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUIfly) received the first Boeing 737-800.

September 1998: First Boeing 737-600 delivery to Scandinavian Airlines

In September 1998, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) took the first delivery of the Boeing 737-600.

February 28, 2000: Last 737-400s delivered to CSA Czech Airlines

On February 28, 2000, the last two Boeing 737-400 aircraft, which were also the last of the 737 Classic series, were delivered to CSA Czech Airlines.

2000: End of Boeing 737 Classic production

In 2000, Boeing ceased production of the 737 Classic series, after delivering a total of 1,988 aircraft.

2000: Jet fuel price increases affect aircraft

In 2000, the price of jet fuel accounted for 15% of an air ticket's retail price.

January 31, 2006: Launch of the Boeing 737-700ER

On January 31, 2006, the Boeing 737-700ER (Extended Range) was launched, featuring the fuselage of the 737-700 and the wings and landing gear of the 737-800.

2006: Last Boeing 737-600 delivered to WestJet

In 2006, the last Boeing 737-600 was delivered to WestJet.

June 4, 2008: United Airlines to retire Boeing 737 Classic aircraft

On June 4, 2008, United Airlines announced the retirement of all 94 of its Classic 737 aircraft, replacing them with A320 family jets taken from its Ted subsidiary.