SEATTLE, April 23, 1998 -- The world's first Boeing 737-800, the second model in the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, was delivered yesterday to launch customer Hapag-Lloyd of Germany. The airplane is the first of 16 737-800s ordered by Hapag-Lloyd, the German leisure airline with routes throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Dominican Republic.
The -800 models eventually will replace, over time, the 737-400s and -500s currently operated by the airline. At 129 feet 6 inches, the 737-800 can carry up to 189 passengers.
The Next-Generation 737 models are particularly popular among environmentally-conscious carriers because of lower noise and emissions than competing aircraft. With more than 866 airplanes ordered to date, the Next-Generation 737 family - the 737-600/-700/-800/-900 models are equipped with the latest and most advanced systems - including the most recent development in an enhanced ground proximity warning system, and the latest collision avoidance system.
The 737 - a short-to-medium-range airplane, noted for its enhanced passenger comfort features - is based on a key philosophy: delivering more value to airlines in the form of reliability, simplicity, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. In addition, the Next-Generation models offer flight deck commonality with previous 737s and allow flight crews to maintain the same type rating.
With almost 4,000 orders, the 737 is the best selling commercial jetliner of all time. More than 825 Boeing 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.