Boeing

Boeing 737-300

733 B733 Out of Production

The Boeing 737-300 opened the 737 Classic series, introducing the fuel-efficient CFM56 turbofan that would define the family for decades. It seats about 128 passengers in two classes and up to 149 single-class, with a range near 4,400 km at a cruise of 793 km/h. First flown in 1984, the -300 is 33.4 metres long with a 28.9-metre wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 56,470 kg. Replacing the earlier JT8D-powered 737 models, it brought modern turbofan performance and improved economics to the short-haul market, and its commercial success set the pattern for the larger -400 and shorter -500 that completed the Classic line.

Dimensions

Length: 33,40 m
Wingspan: 28,88 m
Height: 11,13 m
Cabin Width: 3,54 m

Performance

Range: 4.400 km
Cruise Speed: 793 km/h
Max Speed: 876 km/h
Service Ceiling: 11.300 m
Category: medium-haul

Capacity

Typical Seats: 128
Max Seats: 149
Cargo Volume: 24,40 m³
Size: narrow-body

Engines

Count: 2
Type: Turbofan
Model: CFM56-3B1

Airlines (6)

Southwest Airlines 5 Peruvian Airlines 3 Blue Air 3 Air Indus 2 Royal Air Maroc 1 NordStar Airlines 1

Family Variants

Boeing 737-800 Boeing 737-400 Boeing 737-600 Boeing 737-700 Boeing 737-200 Boeing 737-500 Boeing 737 MAX 9 Boeing 737 MAX 7 Boeing 737-900ER Boeing 737 MAX 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8

Engine Profiles

CFM International CFM56

About Boeing 737-300

Primeiro da série Boeing 737 Classic, introduzindo os motores CFM56 que definiram o padrão de eficiência de combustível. O -300 trouxe desempenho moderno de turbofan ao mercado de curto alcance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Boeing 737-300 typically seats 128 passengers in a two-class configuration. In a single-class high-density layout, it can carry up to 149 passengers. The 737-300 was the first member of the 737 Classic series and introduced the CFM56 engine to the 737 family, replacing the older Pratt & Whitney JT8D used on the 737-200.

The Boeing 737-300 has a maximum range of approximately 4,400 km (2,376 nautical miles). The switch to CFM56-3B1 turbofan engines provided a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency over the 737-200. The CFM56's larger fan diameter required the distinctive flat-bottomed nacelle design that became a signature feature of the 737 family through the NG generation.

The 737-300 was a major leap forward from the 737-200, offering 20% better fuel efficiency from the CFM56 engines, significantly lower noise levels, and a stretched fuselage carrying 20 more passengers. The cockpit was modernized with EFIS-capable instruments. The 737-300 also introduced the distinctive non-circular engine nacelle shape that the 737 would keep until the MAX series. The 737-300 sold 1,113 units versus the 737-200's 1,095.

The 737-300 was the first 737 to feature the CFM56 engine with its characteristic flat-bottomed nacelle (designed to maintain ground clearance on the short 737 landing gear). It has no winglets and features the Classic-era cockpit windows. At 33.4 m, it sits between the shorter -500 and longer -400 in the Classic family. The flat-bottomed engine nacelle is the most distinctive visual feature separating the 737 Classic from earlier cigar-shaped JT8D nacelles.

The 737-300, which first flew in February 1984, saved the 737 program from potential discontinuation. Boeing had considered ending the 737 line, but the introduction of CFM56 engines and a modernized design revitalized interest. With 1,113 deliveries, it established the 737 as the best-selling commercial aircraft family. Southwest Airlines was one of the largest operators, using the 737-300 to build its low-cost network across the United States. Most 737-300s have been retired, though some continue flying in developing regions.