About the Boeing 737-800
Boeing launched the 737-800 in September 1994. The first flight followed on July 31, 1997 from Renton, Washington, with Boeing captains Mike Hewett and Jim McRoberts at the controls. FAA approval followed on March 13, 1998. Boeing delivered the first aircraft to Hapag-Lloyd Flug on April 23, 1998.
Like the other Next-Generation models, the 737-800 pairs a larger wing, CFM56-7B turbofans and a glass flight deck with the familiar 737 fuselage. Boeing lists a length of 39.5 meters, a wingspan of 35.8 meters and a height of 12.5 meters for its published 737-800 configuration. Dimensions depend on the wingtip equipment.
The 737-800 has also been adapted for freight. Passenger seating figures describe the airliner configuration and should not be applied to a converted freighter.
Seating capacity and cabin layout
Boeing lists 160 to 180 seats in a two-class layout and a maximum of 189 passengers; the exact count depends on the operator's layout.
- Ryanair publishes a capacity of 189 seats for its 737-800s, in an all-economy cabin with rows 29 inches apart and emergency exits at row 1 and at rows 16 and 17.
The aircraft type identifies the model, not the cabin fitted by an airline. A seat map for the operating flight is the useful reference when choosing a seat.
How to recognize a Boeing 737-800
The 737-800 shares its engines, wing, nose and tail with the other Next-Generation 737s, so the useful clues are length and exits. At 39.5 m it is longer than the 33.6 m 737-700 but shorter than the 42.1 m 737-900.
- Two overwing exit rows on each side. Ryanair's seat information lists exits at rows 16 and 17 in addition to the forward doors, reflecting the pair of overwing exits needed for the -800's capacity.
- Wingtip equipment can vary. Split Scimitar winglets are available for the 737NG, so an upward and downward wingtip does not by itself identify a MAX.
The 737-900 and 737 MAX 8 look similar from a distance, so the registration and its recorded type remain the reliable confirmation.
Variants and related aircraft
The FAA designator list includes the Boeing 737-800 airliner and BBJ2 business jet under B738. A shared designator does not imply a shared seating layout or the same type of operation.
Related models carry their own codes: B736 (737-600), B737 (737-700) and B739 (737-900 and 737-900ER) are other Next-Generation 737s. B38M identifies the later 737 MAX 8; B734 identifies the earlier 737-400.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Boeing 737-800 first fly and reach its first customer?
The prototype first flew on July 31, 1997. The FAA approved the model on March 13, 1998, and the first delivery, to Hapag-Lloyd Flug, followed in April 1998.
Is the Boeing 737-800 the same as the 737 MAX 8?
No. The 737 MAX 8 was developed from the 737-800 but belongs to the later 737 MAX generation and uses the separate ICAO code B38M.
Which engines power the Boeing 737-800?
Two CFM56-7B turbofans, the engine family Boeing lists for its Next-Generation 737 models.
Sources
- faa.gov — appendix_3.html
- boeing.com — 737ng
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 1997 07 31 Longest Boeing 737 Makes First Flight
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 1998 04 13 JAA Approves Boeing Next Generation 737 800
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 1998 04 23 First Boeing Next Generation 737 800 Goes To Hapag Lloyd
- help.ryanair.com — 31352078107921 Seat Information
- aviationpartners.com — winglet types
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 2016 02 23 Boeing Launches Next Generation 737 Boeing Converted Freighter
Aircraft information reviewed on . Airline configurations can change.