IATA 73GICAO B737

Boeing 737-700

Boeing

TravelerPulse profile

Versatile narrowbody successor to the classic 737-500.

First flight

1997

Category

Narrow-body jet

Seating

128–149 passengers

Range

6,370 km

Engines

Two CFM International CFM56-7B turbofans

Status

In service

The Boeing 737-700 is the second member of the Next Generation (NG) family, developed as a replacement for the earlier 737-300. It seats approximately 128 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and offers improved fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, and avionics compared to its Classic predecessors. Entering service in 1998 with Southwest Airlines, the 737-700 quickly became popular with low-cost and mainline carriers alike due to its range, efficiency, and operational flexibility. It shares a high degree of commonality with the rest of the 737NG family, reducing training and maintenance costs for operators. The aircraft competes directly with the Airbus A319 and has seen widespread adoption globally. A specialized variant, the BBJ (Boeing Business Jet), is based on the 737-700 airframe with 737-800 wingboxes and additional fuel tanks for extended range.

Notable operators

Southwest Airlines is the largest operator, with others including WestJet, KLM, and various regional and charter carriers worldwide.

Notable facts

›First flight occurred on February 9, 1997, with Southwest Airlines launching the type in 1998.
›The 737-700 shares over 90% commonality with other 737NG variants, simplifying crew training.
›The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) variant is based on the 737-700 airframe.
›It was designed as a direct replacement for the Boeing 737-300.
›The US Air Force operates a VIP transport version designated C-40B/C.