About the Boeing 737-500
Boeing covers the -500 in its planning manual for the earlier 737 series. It has a shorter fuselage than the -300 and -400. Boeing later reused the basic -500 fuselage for the -600 with changes to the wings and tail. That is one reason the two models are easy to confuse.
Seating capacity
Boeing shows an example with 108 seats split between First Class and Economy. It also shows 122- and 132-seat economy layouts. Air North publishes a 122-seat economy cabin for its 737-500. Use the operator’s map to check the capacity and seat numbers for your flight.
Cabin layout
Boeing’s diagrams show three seats on each side of the single aisle in regular economy rows. In the mixed-class example, the eight First Class seats are at the front. Air North publishes its own seat map, which is the reference for finding a particular row on its aircraft.
How to recognize a Boeing 737-500
The short fuselage is a clue when comparing similar side views of the -500, -300 and -400. The -600 also has a compact fuselage, so length alone is less helpful for that comparison. Check the registration to confirm the variant.
Variants and related aircraft
The FAA uses B735 for the -500, B733 for the -300 and B734 for the -400. The later -600 uses B736. Use the full model name when selecting a filter.
Boeing 737-300 · Boeing 737-400
Frequently asked questions
Does every Boeing 737-500 have 122 seats?
Air North publishes 122 seats for its aircraft. Boeing also shows configurations with 108 and 132 seats. Check the operating airline’s seat map for your flight.
Which radar code tracks the Boeing 737-500?
Use B735 for the 737-500. The 737-600 uses B736.