The Boeing 737: A History of the World's Most Popular Airliner
Introduction
The Boeing 737 is an American narrow-body airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes at its Renton Factory in Washington. It has the distinction of being the best-selling commercial jetliner in history, with more than 10,000 aircraft delivered to airlines around the world. The 737 has undergone several design changes and improvements over the years, resulting in several variants with different capacities and range.
Development
The Boeing 737 was initially conceived in response to the success of the Boeing 727, a tri-jet airliner introduced in 1963. Boeing realized that there was a demand for a smaller and more efficient aircraft to serve short-haul routes. The 737 was designed to have a capacity of up to 100 passengers and a range of around 1,500 miles.
Operational History
The first Boeing 737 entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa and quickly became a popular choice for airlines due to its versatility, reliability, and economic efficiency. The early models of the 737, known as the "Original" or "Classic" Series, were powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines. Subsequent generations of the 737 featured various improvements, including modernized avionics, more powerful engines, and upgraded interiors.
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