IATA 733ICAO B733

Boeing 737-300

Boeing

TravelerPulse profile

The classic narrow-body jet that modernized short-haul travel.

First flight

1984

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

128–149 passengers

Range

4,400 km

Engines

Two CFM International CFM56-3 turbofans

Status

In service

The Boeing 737-300 is the founding member of the 737 Classic series, introduced in the mid-1980s as a significant upgrade over the original 737-100 and -200 variants. It featured CFM56-3 high-bypass turbofan engines, a modernized glass cockpit, and a stretched fuselage, making it considerably more fuel-efficient and capable than its predecessors. The aircraft entered service with USAir in 1984 and quickly became a popular choice for short- to medium-haul routes worldwide. Its combination of reliability, operating economics, and passenger capacity made it a commercial success, with over 1,100 examples built before production ended in 1999. While many 737-300s have been retired from mainline passenger service, a significant number continue to operate with regional carriers, low-cost airlines, and in cargo conversion roles. The type laid the groundwork for the subsequent 737-400 and 737-500 variants within the Classic family.

Notable operators

Major operators have included Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, USAir, Lufthansa, and Air Europa, among many others worldwide.

Notable facts

›The 737-300 was the first 737 variant to use CFM56 high-bypass turbofan engines, greatly improving fuel efficiency.
›It entered revenue service with USAir on November 28, 1984.
›Over 1,113 aircraft were delivered before production ceased in 1999.
›The fuselage was stretched by approximately 2.64 meters compared to the 737-200.
›Many retired passenger examples have been converted to freighter configuration and continue operating as cargo aircraft.