Boeing’s 737 family of aircraft has enjoyed remarkable success since its inception, with over 11,700 units sold as of March. Despite its healthy order book of approximately 5,000 aircraft across various variants, it’s easy to overlook the humble beginnings of the 737 series.
In the late 1960s, Boeing introduced the original 737-100 as a supplement and eventual replacement for the popular Boeing 727. Despite its pioneering features like two wing-mounted engines and six-abreast seating, the 737-100 was notably smaller than its modern counterparts, measuring just 28.65 meters in length and accommodating a typical two-class capacity of only 85 passengers.
Compared to its contemporaries at the time of launch, such as the larger Boeing 727 and competing aircraft like the Douglas DC-9 and the BAC One-Eleven, the 737-100 stood out for its compact size. However, its tenure was short-lived, with only 30 units produced, most of which served with Lufthansa.
Boeing quickly responded to market demand for larger aircraft by developing the 737-200, which featured an extended fuselage and increased capacity. This marked the beginning of a trend towards larger narrowbody aircraft, as seen in subsequent iterations like the Classic, Next Generation, and 737 MAX series.
While modern narrowbody aircraft like the Airbus A320 family have also increased in size over the years, there remains a demand for smaller regional aircraft that offer similar capacities to the original 737-100. This trend underscores the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and the evolving preferences of airlines and passengers alike.
