Boeing

The first Next-Generation 737-800 made its debut today at the Boeing Renton, Wash., factory. A crowd of several thousand Boeing Commercial Airplane Group employees was on hand to witness the premiere of the 129-feet, 6-inch airplane -- the longest 737 ever built. The first 737-800 is the 2,906th 737 built and the 6,508th commercial airplane built by Boeing in Renton. This newest 737 model is a stretched version of the current 737-400 and is capable of carrying 160 to 189 passengers. Changes from current production 737s include a new and larger wing, higher cruise speed, more range, and new engines with improvements in noise, fuel burn and thrust. These improvements allow the Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800 family members to fly higher, faster and farther than current 737s. The 737 -- a short- to medium-range airplane -- is based on a key philosophy focusing on delivering more value to airlines in the form of reliability, simplicity, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. In addition, the new 737-600/-700/-800 models will enjoy crew commonality with today's 737. The 737-800 was launched on Sept. 5, 1994, at the Farnborough Air Show with commitments from customers to more than 40 of the airplanes. First delivery of this model will go to the German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in early 1998. The price tag for the 737-800 is between $48 and $54 million. Total Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800 orders: 627 by 29 customers