Last Updated: 4 months ago
← Back to Aircraft Database| General Characteristics | |
| Type | Civil and Commercial Aircraft |
|---|---|
| National Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Variants | Boeing 737-100, 737-200 |
| Status | In service |
| First Flight | April 9, 1967 |
| Introduction | February 10, 1968 with Lufthansa |
| Primary Users | Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines |
| Number Built | 2,200 as of February 2026 |
| Developed From | Boeing 737 Next Generation |
| Capacity & Dimensions | |
| Cockpit Crew | 2 |
| Typical Seating | 118 |
| Max Seating | 118 |
| Overall Length | 94 ft (29 m) |
| Wing Span | 93 ft (28.3 m) |
| Wing Sweep | 25° |
| Wing Area | 980 sq ft (91.1 m²) |
| Overall Height | 37 ft (11.3 m) |
| Weights, Powerplant & Performance | |
| MTOW | 110,000 lb (50,000 kg) |
| OEW | 62,000 lb (28,000 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4,720 US gal (17,900 L) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 |
| Max. Thrust | 15,500 lbf (69 kN) thrust each |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 852 km/h (460 kn) at altitude |
| Max. Speed | 943 km/h (509 kn) (Mach 0.82) |
| Range | 1,540 nmi (2,850 km; 1,770 mi) |
| Takeoff Distance | 6,000 ft (1,830 m) |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 ft (10,700 m) |
The Boeing 737-100 is the original version of the Boeing 737 family. It introduced the basic short-haul twinjet concept that later became one of the most successful aircraft families in commercial aviation history. As a result, this early model holds a special place in the development of modern narrow-body airliners.
Boeing designed the aircraft as a smaller companion to the 727 and 707. At the time, airlines needed a jet aircraft for shorter routes, thinner markets and regional services where larger aircraft were not always economical. Therefore, the Boeing 737-100 offered a practical solution with two engines, a short fuselage and a six-abreast cabin.
The aircraft first flew on April 9, 1967. Lufthansa became the launch customer and placed it into commercial service in February 1968. Although Boeing built only 30 examples, the 737-100 proved the concept that would later grow into the 737-200, 737 Classic, 737 Next Generation and 737 MAX families.
Boeing 737-100 General Characteristics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Short-haul narrow-body twinjet airliner |
| Main Category | Civil and Commercial Aircraft |
| Additional Category | Narrow-body airliner |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Commercial Airplanes |
| National Origin | United States |
| Aircraft Family | Boeing 737 Original |
| Variant | Boeing 737-100 |
| First Flight | April 9, 1967 |
| First Delivery | December 28, 1967, to Lufthansa |
| Introduction | February 10, 1968, with Lufthansa |
| Number Built | 30 aircraft |
| Cockpit Crew | Two pilots |
| ICAO Code | B731 |
| Primary Role | Short-haul passenger transport |
| Status | Retired from airline service |
The Boeing 737-100 was the shortest production version of the 737 family. Because of its limited capacity and short production run, it quickly became overshadowed by the stretched 737-200. However, the 737-100 remains historically important because it launched the entire 737 line.
737-100 Cabin and Seating
The Boeing 737-100 cabin used the same fuselage width concept as larger Boeing jetliners of the era. This allowed six-abreast seating in economy class, which gave the aircraft more passenger capacity than many smaller regional jets or turboprops.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Typical Seating | Around 85–100 passengers |
| Maximum Seating | About 103–115 passengers, depending on configuration |
| Cabin Type | Single-aisle narrow-body cabin |
| Typical Economy Layout | Six-abreast seating |
| Main Role | Short-haul airline service |
| Passenger Doors | Forward and aft passenger doors |
The cabin layout made the aircraft useful on busy short routes. In addition, the two-engine design reduced complexity compared with three-engine aircraft such as the Boeing 727. Therefore, airlines could use the 737-100 for shorter sectors while still offering jet service.
Although the aircraft had a smaller cabin than later 737 variants, it established the basic narrow-body layout that became central to the 737 family. Later versions stretched the fuselage, increased seating capacity and improved performance, but they kept the same general single-aisle concept.
Boeing 737-100 Dimensions
The 737-100 had a very short fuselage compared with later 737 models. This compact body gave the aircraft a distinctive appearance and helped it serve smaller markets. However, the short fuselage also limited passenger capacity, which became one reason the longer 737-200 gained more commercial success.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | About 28.63 m / 93 ft 11 in |
| Wingspan | About 28.35 m / 93 ft 0 in |
| Overall Height | About 11.23 m / 36 ft 10 in |
| Fuselage Type | Narrow-body fuselage |
| Wing Layout | Low-wing swept configuration |
| Engine Layout | Two underwing turbofan engines |
| Landing Gear | Retractable tricycle landing gear |
Its proportions make it easy to recognize when compared with later 737s. The short fuselage gives the aircraft a stubby profile, especially when viewed from the side. In addition, the early JT8D engine nacelles sit close to the ground because of the 737’s low landing gear design.
This low stance later became one of the defining visual features of the 737 family. However, it also shaped future engine integration choices as the family evolved through later generations.
Boeing 737-100 Engines and Performance
The Boeing 737-100 used two Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines. These engines were common on early jetliners and gave the aircraft enough thrust for short-haul operations. Moreover, they helped Boeing create a practical twin-engine aircraft for regional airline routes.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 turbofan engines |
| Engine Type | Low-bypass turbofan |
| Thrust | About 62.3 kN per engine |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | About 49,950 kg / 110,120 lb |
| Cruise Speed | About 420 kt true airspeed |
| Typical Cruise Mach | About Mach 0.73 |
| Range | About 1,500 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | About 35,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | About 1,800 m, depending on conditions |
The aircraft’s performance suited short and medium sectors rather than long-range flying. Therefore, airlines used it mainly on regional and domestic routes. Its range was sufficient for many European and short-haul international services, especially in the early jet age.
Compared with later 737 generations, the 737-100 had less efficient engines, lower seating capacity and simpler systems. Nevertheless, it gave airlines a modern jet platform that could operate economically on routes previously served by turboprops or older jets.
Why Boeing Built the 737-100
Boeing built the 737-100 because airlines needed a smaller jet aircraft for short-haul service. The Boeing 707 served long-haul routes, while the Boeing 727 handled medium-range and high-demand short routes. However, many airlines also needed a smaller aircraft for thinner markets.
Therefore, Boeing designed the 737 as a compact twinjet. The aircraft used two underwing engines and a wider cabin than many competing smaller aircraft. This gave airlines good passenger comfort and efficient boarding while keeping the aircraft suitable for shorter routes.
Lufthansa played an important role in the early program. As the launch customer, Lufthansa helped shape the aircraft’s entry into airline service. Consequently, the 737-100 became closely associated with the beginning of Lufthansa’s jet narrow-body operations.
Operational Role
The Boeing 737-100 mainly served short-haul passenger routes. Airlines used it for domestic and regional services where larger aircraft were not required. Because of its compact size, the aircraft could serve routes with moderate demand while still offering jet speed and comfort.
In addition, the type worked well as a route development aircraft. Airlines could introduce jet service on sectors that did not justify a larger aircraft. Moreover, the two-pilot cockpit supported lower crew requirements than older three-crew jetliners.
However, the stretched 737-200 soon became more attractive. It offered more seats and better revenue potential while keeping the same basic aircraft concept. As a result, most airlines preferred the longer version, and 737-100 production remained very limited.
Comparison with the Boeing 737-200
The Boeing 737-100 and 737-200 belong to the same first-generation 737 family. However, the 737-200 has a longer fuselage and higher passenger capacity. This made the 737-200 more successful commercially.
The 737-100 proved the basic design, while the 737-200 made the concept more attractive for airlines. Therefore, the 737-100 should be seen as the starting point of the 737 story, not the version that defined the family’s commercial success.
The 737-200 also became the platform for later developments, including improved and advanced versions. In contrast, the 737-100 remained rare and historically significant rather than widely used.
Comparison with Later 737 Generations
Later 737 generations changed almost every major performance area. The 737 Classic introduced CFM56 engines and a more modern design. Next Generation added a new wing, better range and improved efficiency. The 737 MAX then introduced LEAP-1B engines and advanced winglets.
However, all of these aircraft trace their basic family origin back to the Boeing 737-100. The original model established the single-aisle fuselage width, two-pilot cockpit concept and short-haul twinjet role that later became central to Boeing’s narrow-body strategy.
Because of this history, the 737-100 remains one of the most important aircraft in commercial aviation, even though only 30 examples were built.
Production and Legacy
Boeing delivered only 30 Boeing 737-100 aircraft. Therefore, this version became one of the rarest members of the 737 family. Most aircraft went to Lufthansa, while a small number served with other operators.
Even so, the aircraft’s limited production does not reduce its importance. Instead, it shows how quickly airlines moved toward the longer 737-200. The market wanted more capacity, and Boeing responded by stretching the design.
Today, the 737-100 is remembered as the aircraft that started the 737 dynasty. Later versions became much more successful, but the original model created the foundation. Consequently, the Boeing 737-100 deserves a separate place in any aviation database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boeing 737-100?
The Boeing 737-100 is the first and shortest production version of the Boeing 737 family.
When did the Boeing 737-100 first fly?
The aircraft first flew on April 9, 1967.
Which airline introduced the 737-100?
Lufthansa introduced the Boeing 737-100 into commercial service in February 1968.
How many Boeing 737-100 aircraft were built?
Boeing built only 30 examples of the 737-100.
What engines does the Boeing 737-100 use?
The aircraft uses two Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines.
Boeing 737-100 Summary
The Boeing 737-100 is the original member of the Boeing 737 family. It introduced the short-haul twinjet concept that later evolved into one of the most successful aircraft families in aviation history. With its compact fuselage, JT8D engines, two-pilot cockpit and Lufthansa launch service, the aircraft became the starting point for decades of Boeing narrow-body development. Therefore, even though only 30 examples were built, its historical importance remains very strong.
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