Boeing 737-300 History

		How to fly and technical data
		Downloads

 The Boeing 737-300 program was launched in March 1981. The market requirements for this
 derivative airplane became clear during the late 1970s in an environment of airline deregulation and
 the fierce competition that followed.

 As a result of increased competition, there were changes in the way air routes were served at that
 time. Airplanes flew into airports operated as hubs, then dispersed into a spoke configuration, often
 to short distance destinations. The 737 proved ideal for airlines operating frequent
 short-to-medium-range routes.

A fuselage extension of 104 inches (2.6 m) allowed the 737-300 to accommodate seats for up to
20 more passengers than its predecessor, the 737-200 model. In mixed-class service with  36/32-inch pitch (91/81 cm), the -300 seats 128 passengers; in an all-tourist arrangement at
32-inch pitch (81 cm), seating is 140. For inclusive-tour charter service (30-inch pitch, or 76 cm), a  maximum of 149 passengers can be carried.

 From the outset, one of the main objectives of the 737-300 program was to maintain commonality
 with the existing fleet. The airplane would use new and larger CFM56-3 engines, an
 advanced-technology flight deck and a common airframe. These features afforded airlines a lower
 investment in spares, interchangeable flight crews, and less ground support equipment and
 maintenance training. New aluminum alloys and composites were used to reduce the airplane's
 weight and aerodynamic improvements were adapted from the 757 and 767 airplanes.

 Unlike its predecessor, the 737-200, which was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines
 mounted against the underside of the wing in long, thin nacelles, the power plants for the 737-300 --
 as well as all subsequent versions of the 737 -- are mounted forward of the wing on struts.
 Relocating engine accessories from the bottom of the engine to the side and flattening the bottom of
 the inlet lip solved the ground-clearance problem created by the larger engines. In addition, the nose
 wheel unit was attached five inches lower on the fuselage.

 Besides the new engines, the flight deck of the 737-300 was upgraded to make use of digital
 technology like that of the 757 and 767 airplanes. These electronics systems provide concise flight
 information, which allows increased fuel efficiency and improves the airplane's ability to land in bad
 weather.

 The 737-300 also borrowed the 757's interior appointments, which include large enclosed bins,
 galleys and lavatories located fore and aft; and a wider cabin that allows airlines to choose a larger
 aisle or seats or more window-seat headroom.

 The first 737-300 rolled out of Boeing's Renton, Wash., plant on Jan. 17, 1984, and made its initial
 flight Feb. 24, 1984. That began a nine-month flight test program, during which a fleet of three
 737-300s logged nearly 1,300 hours in the air.

 Certification of the 737-300 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration was awarded Nov. 14,
 1984. First deliveries of the new aircraft occurred Nov. 28, 1984, to USAir and Nov. 30, 1984, to
 Southwest Airlines. Both carriers put their new aircraft into revenue service during December 1984.
 The British Civil Aviation Authority granted certification on Jan. 29, 1985, the same day that Orion
 Airways of Great Britain became the first non-U.S. customer to take delivery.

Back to main