Forty-one years ago, Boeing's first 737-100 entered service with Lufthansa. Now, 41-years later, Boeing has built its 6000th example of the 737 family. The 737-800 aircraft will be delivered to Norwegian Air Shuttle as the 2868th Next Generation 737.
This particular aircraft, registered LN-NOL, wears a special tail sticker commemorating the milestone for the twin-engine narrowbody family. According to Boeing, the 737 family has amassed 8184 orders since Lufthansa placed the first order in February 1965 for 21 of the -100s.
on April 8, 2009 1:07 PM | Reply
And another 2200 backordered? Geez, no wonder BCA can take their time with 737RS. Would be nice to at least see a GTF-based refresh in the works, though.
on April 8, 2009 1:41 PM | Reply
And 66 737s from now Boeing would have delivered just as many 737NGs as they 737 Classics and all in less than 20 years after the first 737NG was delivered.
on April 8, 2009 5:00 PM | Reply
RobH, what kind of ridiculous complaint is that? 275-330 planes per year is an incredible accomplishment. Furthermore, the orders are placed knowing they won't be fulfilled until a specific later date.
on April 8, 2009 9:27 PM | Reply
Observation, lol, not a complaint.
By your numbers, a 7 year backlog on their single aisle product is every reason Boeing can take their sweet time waiting for Airbus to make their move. Is it smart? I don't think so, because as A380 sales numbers prove, Boeing's sales forecasting team are dead on. New players in the single-aisle market, Boeing's forecast for single-aisle demand, what does that point to, lol? Yup, you snooze, you lose. So why wait?
I think Mullaly's attitude would've been 'Screw Airbus, full speed ahead!' hence the reason Ford is now in the best shape of the Big 3. I love that guy.
So no complaints here, pal, just an investor's opinion.
on April 8, 2009 10:41 PM | Reply
Good job! Great airplane and great engines since the -300!
on April 8, 2009 11:48 PM | Reply
There is no point in Boeing committing to a new airframe until the next generation engines are available. Every aircraft is built around the engines and if you are not sure which technologies are going to emerge you are better holding off as long as you can until the technology sorts it self out.