Boeing 737 NG / MAX

Boeing’s short- and medium-haul single-aisle family covering the Next Generation and MAX generations.

Photo credit: Steve Lynes / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0

Overview

The Boeing 737 is one of commercial aviation’s most widespread aircraft families. This page focuses on the 737 Next Generation (737-600/-700/-800/-900) and the later 737 MAX generation. The NG modernized the classic 737 architecture with updated wings, engines and avionics, while the MAX family introduced CFM LEAP-1B engines, new winglets and further efficiency improvements.

Key features

High-frequency single-aisle operations, NG/MAX generational evolution, LEAP-1B engines and advanced winglets on the MAX, and a very large worldwide operator base.

Key points

First flight737NG: 9 February 1997; 737 MAX 8: 29 January 2016

Entry into service737NG: December 1997; 737 MAX: May 2017

Global count737 MAX: 2,360 delivered — end of June 2026. The separate 737NG fleet also remains very widely operated worldwide.

Production statusPassenger 737NG production has ended (final commercial deliveries in 2020); some military derivatives may continue. 737 MAX-family production remains active.

Selected major operators

Southwest Airlines — 803; Ryanair group — 615; United Airlines — 572 total 737 aircraft (current operator-table snapshot).

Note: Fleet counts can change frequently due to deliveries, leasing, storage, retirements and internal transfers. Figures are therefore shown with their source date.

Data sources and freshness

Fleet and production figures were compiled from Airbus, Boeing and current operator lists available in August 2026. Because fleet counts change continuously, each figure should be treated as a dated snapshot.

Primary manufacturer source ↗