The
737 is the world's most successful jet airliner with over
4,200 produced.
The 737 was originally planned as a short-range
small capacity airliner smaller than the 707 and 727. The
737-100 had a capacity of 100 and first flew in 1967.
The second generation 737 (series 300-500) were
updated to include efficient high-bypass turbofan engines. The
first 737-300 first flew in 1984.
The next generation 737 (series 600-900) continued
upgrading the original aircraft with more efficient engines, a new
wing with greater chord span and area and larger tail
surfaces. The first next generation 737 first flew in 1996.