The first Next Generation 737 — a new wing and Southwest's workhorse ·First flight 1997 · In service 1997
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Boeing launched the Next Generation 737 on 17 November 1993 to answer the Airbus A320. The -700 replaced the -300 and was the first NG to fly, on 9 February 1997. Its new wing has a thinner airfoil, 25 per cent more area, 4.9 m more span and 30 per cent more fuel, paired with CFM56-7B engines and a glass cockpit.
Southwest Airlines launched the type and received the first one on 17 December 1997; it went on to become the backbone of Southwest's all-737 fleet. Boeing delivered 1,130 737-700s.
The -700 is also the basis of the original Boeing Business Jet, the BBJ1, which first flew on 4 September 1998.
