Boeing 737NG (737-600/700/800/900)
After the success of the 737-300, -400 and -500 Boeing developed a range of new versions of the 737 airliner, designated as Boeing 737NG (Next Generation). This generation comprises four main models: 737-600, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900. The development of these versions was Boeing's reaction to the growing threat of the Airbus A320 family.
In late 1993 Boeing officially launched the first new version, the 737-700. Compared to the 737 Classics the Next Generation aircraft have more efficient CFM56-7B turbofans, higher weights, more range, larger tail surfaces and a wing with greater chord, span and wing area. The modernised cockpit, which is identical for all four versions, can be programmed in the style of the 777 or the 737-300/400/500.
 The Boeing 737-700 is about the same size as the 737-300 and seats 132-149 passengers depending on cabin configuration. It first flew on February 9 1997 and about a year later the US low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines became the first user. The 737-700 is the direct competitor of the Airbus A319. The business jet version of the 737-700 is named BBJ1 (Boeing Business Jet 1), which has the fuselage of the 737-700 and the wing and landing gear of the larger 737-800. The BBJ1 was the first version of the 737NG fitted with winglets to decrease drag and fuel consumption and increase range.
The 737-700ER (Extended Range) is an airline-version based on the BBJ1. With more than 10,000 km (5,500 nm) the ER offers the range of an intercontinental airliner. This version was launched in January 2006 and the first aircraft was delivered to All Nippon Airways (ANA) in February 2007. All Nippon started all-business class services with the aircraft between Tokyo and Mumbai. The 737-700C (Convertible) has a large main-deck cargo door and an interior from which the seats can be removed to make place for cargo. The launch customer of this version is the US Navy.
 The second Next Generation Boeing 737 to fly was the 737-800. It is the successor of the 737-400 although it has a somewhat longer fuselage. The 737-800 flew for the first time on July 31 1997 and the German holiday airline Hapag-Lloyd Flug became the first airline to put it into service in April 1998. The 737-800 competes with the Airbus A321 and airlines often ordered it to replace ageing Boeing 727s. The corporate jet version is named BBJ2. The 737-800ERX offers extended range and is available as a military variant. New 737-800s are built with winglets. Older models often get winglets by retrofit.
The smallest member of the Boeing 737 Next Generation is the 737-600, which made its maiden flight on January 22 1998. SAS Scandinavian Airlines was the first airline to operate the type. The 737-600 replaces the 737-500, but, like the competing A318, the aircraft is a slow seller. Early 2008 only about 70 aircraft had been ordered.
 The longest NG-version is the Boeing 737-900, which started flying on August 3 2000. The first airline to operate the -900 was Alaska Airlines. The maximum number of passengers of this version is limited to 189 (the same as the 737-800's) because it has not enough doors and emergency exits to evacuate more passengers within the official safety regulations. The improved extended range version, 737-900ER, has extra emergency doors and can seat up to 215 passengers in a single-class layout. The standard 737-900ER also offers extra range. The Boeing 737-900 started as a slow seller, but since the 737-900ER is available things are becoming better. The launch customer of this variant is the Indonesian low-fare airline Lion Air, which initially ordered 30 aircraft, but placed several follow-on orders up to a total of 122 aircraft. Boeing delivered the first 737-900ER to Lion Air in April 2007. The BBJ3 is a business jet variant of the 737-900ER.
Early 2008 Boeing had sold more than 4400 737NG aircraft. The best selling version is the 737-800.
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Specifications Boeing 737-600
Wingspan: 34.31 m (112ft 7in), with winglets: 35.8 m (117ft 5in).
Length: 31.2 m (102ft 6in). Height: 12.5 m (41ft 2in).
Empty weight: 37,378 kg (80,031 lb). Max. take-off weight: 66,000 kg (145,500 lb).
Accommodation: 110-132 passengers.
(3,050 nm). Operating speed: Mach 0.785.
Engines: CFM International CFM56-7B (100.8 kN - 22,700 lb).
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Specifications Boeing 737-700
Wingspan: 34.31 m (112ft 7in), with winglets: 35.8 m (117ft 5in).
Length: 33.6 m (110ft 4in). Height: 12.5 m (41ft 2in).
Empty weight: 38,145 kg (84,100 lb). Max. take-off weight: 70,080 kg (154,500 lb).
Accommodation: 126-149 passengers.
Range: 6,230 km (3,365 nm). Operating speed: Mach 0.785.
Engines: CFM International CFM56-7B (117 kN - 26,300 lb).
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Specifications Boeing 737-800
Wingspan: 34.31 m (112ft 7in), with winglets: 35.8 m (117ft 5in).
Length: 39.5 m (129ft 6in). Height: 12.6 m (41ft 3in).
Empty weight: 41,413 kg (91,108 lb). Max. take-off weight: 79,010 kg (174,200 lb).
Accommodation: 162-189 passengers.
Range: 5,665 km (3,060 nm). Operating speed: Mach 0.785.
Engines: CFM International CFM56-7B (121.4 kN - 27,300 lb).
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Specifications Boeing 737-900ER
Wingspan: 34.31 m (112ft 7in), with winglets: 35.8 m (117ft 5in).
Length: 42,1 m (138ft 2in). Height: 12.6 m (41ft 3in).
Empty weight: 44,676 kg (98,495 lb). Max. take-off weight: 79,010 kg (174,200 lb).
Accommodation: 180-215 passengers.
Range: 5,925 km (3,200 nm). Operating speed: Mach 0.785.
Engines: CFM International CFM56-7B (121.4 kN - 27,300 lb).
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