Sylvie Willis
The Boeing 737 is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft that has been in production since 1997. The 737 has undergone several upgrades, including the 737 Classic and the 737 Next Generation (737NG), which offer improved fuel capacity and range. The 737-900ER, for example, features up to two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold, while the 737-800 has been powered by a blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel. While the exact fuel capacity of the wings may vary depending on the specific model and configuration, the 737NG series is known for its redesigned wings, wider wingspan, and increased fuel capacity compared to its predecessor, the 737 Classic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variant | 737-900ER (Extended Range) |
| Previous Name | 737-900X |
| Passenger Capacity | 220 passengers |
| Additional Features | Stronger wings, landing gear, winglets, and auxiliary fuel tanks |
| Seating Capacity | 108-215 passengers |
| Competing Aircraft | Airbus A320 family |
| Total Orders | 7,126 |
| Total Delivered | 7,116 |
| Fuel Type | Blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel |
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What You'll Learn
- The 737NG has greater fuel capacity than its predecessor
- The 737-900ER has an improved range thanks to its winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks
- The BBJ has extra fuel tanks, increasing its range over other 737 models
- The 737-800 was the first US commercial flight to use biofuel
- The 737 PIP has a new nacelle that improves fuel burn by 2%
The 737NG has greater fuel capacity than its predecessor
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as 737NG, is an upgrade of the 737 Classic series. The 737NG has a redesigned wing with a larger area and a wider wingspan, which results in greater fuel capacity and higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW). The increased fuel capacity also gives the 737NG a longer range compared to its predecessor.
The 737NG series includes four variants: the -600, -700, -800, and -900, which seat between 108 and 215 passengers. The 737-800, for example, was the first U.S. commercial flight to be powered by a blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel, demonstrating the type of advancements the 737NG series has made.
The 737-900ER (Extended Range) is the final and largest variant of the 737NG line. It was introduced to fill the range and passenger capacity gap in Boeing's offerings after the 757-200 was discontinued. The 737-900ER can be fitted with up to two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold, further improving its range.
The 737NG's primary competition is the Airbus A320 family. As of May 2025, a total of 7,126 737NG aircraft had been ordered, of which 7,116 had been delivered. Boeing stopped assembling commercial 737NGs in 2019 and made the final deliveries in January 2020.
Overall, the 737NG is a significant upgrade from the 737 Classic series, offering greater fuel capacity, improved range, and higher MTOW, along with upgraded engines, cockpit, and interior configurations.
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The 737-900ER has an improved range thanks to its winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks
The 737-900ER (Extended Range) is the final and largest variant of the Boeing 737 NG line. It was introduced to fill the range and passenger capacity gap in Boeing's offerings after the 757-200 was discontinued. The 737-900ER has an improved range of 3,200 nautical miles thanks to its optional winglets and up to two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold. The standard winglets reduce the minimum landing approach speed, while the auxiliary fuel tanks increase the range to that of other 737NG variants. The 737-900ER also has a flat rear pressure bulkhead, which increases the maximum seating capacity to 220 passengers.
The 737NG is an upgrade of the 737 Classic series, featuring a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, greater fuel capacity, and higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW). The 737-900ER, in particular, has a 25% larger wing area, which increases its total fuel capacity by 30%. The 737NG series includes four variants: the -600, -700, -800, and -900, seating between 108 and 215 passengers.
The 737-900ER also benefits from improved fuel efficiency. On a flight between Seattle and Newark, New Jersey, the 737-900ER burned 3% fewer gallons per seat than the 737-900. Additionally, the 737-900ER has a shorter takeoff distance, which is beneficial for operating on shorter runways.
The 737-900ER was launched in July 2005 and first flew in September 2006. It was designed to compete with the Airbus A321 and address the shortcomings of the 737-900. Despite its popularity, the 737-900ER will eventually be replaced by the Boeing 737 MAX 10.
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The BBJ has extra fuel tanks, increasing its range over other 737 models
The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is a version of the Boeing 737 jetliner that has been modified to serve the private, head of state, and corporate jet market. The BBJ was first introduced in the late 1980s as a business jet version of the 737-300. It is similar in dimensions to the 737-700 but has additional features, including stronger wings and landing gear from the 737-800.
The BBJ has increased range compared to other 737 models due to its extra fuel tanks. The first iteration of the BBJ, now referred to as the BBJ1, offered up to nine auxiliary belly fuel tanks, extending the aircraft's range to over 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi). The BBJ1 was rolled out on August 11, 1998, and made its first flight on September 4, 1998. A total of 113 BBJ1s were delivered to customers.
On October 11, 1999, Boeing launched the BBJ2, which is based on the 737-800. While the BBJ2 offers 25% more cabin space and twice the baggage space compared to the BBJ1, it has a slightly reduced range due to its larger size. The BBJ2 is also fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold and winglets. The first BBJ2 was delivered on February 28, 2001.
In addition to the auxiliary fuel tanks, the BBJ also benefits from improved aerodynamics and more fuel-efficient engines, further contributing to its increased range. The BBJ3, based on the 737-900ER, features an auxiliary fuel system that gives it a range of up to 4,725 nautical miles (8,751 km; 5,437 mi).
Overall, the BBJ's extra fuel tanks and other enhancements have significantly increased its range compared to other 737 models, making it a capable and versatile aircraft for private, corporate, and head-of-state travel.
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The 737-800 was the first US commercial flight to use biofuel
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as 737NG, is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was launched in 1993 and has been in production since 1997. The 737NG is an upgrade of the 737 Classic series, featuring a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, greater fuel capacity, and higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW). The series includes four variants: the -600, -700, -800, and -900, seating between 108 and 215 passengers.
The 737-800, in particular, has been the most-ordered variant, with a total of 5,205 aircraft ordered as of May 2025. This includes 4,991 commercial, 191 military, and 23 corporate orders. The popularity of the 737-800 can be attributed to its capabilities and performance.
In 2011, the 737-800 made history as the first U.S. commercial flight to be powered by a blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel. This groundbreaking flight, operated by United Airlines, took place between Houston and Chicago, marking a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.
The use of biofuel in the 737-800 demonstrated a commitment to exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuel. By blending algae-derived biofuel, the flight was able to reduce its environmental impact without compromising performance. This initiative highlighted the potential for a more eco-friendly approach to aviation, paving the way for further research and development in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The 737-800, with its enhanced fuel capacity and improved efficiency, serves as a versatile platform for airlines to not only meet their operational needs but also contribute to environmental sustainability. This milestone in the aviation industry showcases the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between air travel and environmental responsibility, setting a precedent for future aircraft and flight operations.
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The 737 PIP has a new nacelle that improves fuel burn by 2%
The 737 PIP (Performance Improvement Package) is an upgrade to the 737 Next Generation aircraft, which was launched in 1993 as the third-generation derivative of the Boeing 737. The 737 PIP includes a new CFM56-7B Evolution nacelle, which began testing in August 2009 and entered service in mid-2011. This new nacelle is said to improve fuel burn by 2% on longer stages.
The 737 PIP's new nacelle is just one of several improvements that contribute to its reduced fuel burn and increased efficiency. The 737 PIP also features aerodynamic and propulsion efficiency improvements, including drag reduction and enhancements to the CFM International (CFM) engine and exhaust system. The new nacelle is designed to reduce overall drag by at least 1% and offer weight benefits, contributing to the overall 2% improvement in fuel burn.
The 737 Next Generation, or 737NG, is an upgrade to the 737 Classic series, offering a redesigned wing with a 25% larger area, a wider wingspan, and greater fuel capacity. The 737NG also introduced new, more fuel-efficient CFM56-7B engines. The increased fuel capacity, combined with improved fuel efficiency, resulted in a 900 nautical mile (1,700 km) increase in range, enabling transcontinental flights.
The 737 PIP builds on the improvements of the 737NG, further optimising fuel efficiency and performance. The 737 PIP's new nacelle contributes to this by reducing drag and improving airflow, resulting in a 2% improvement in fuel burn on longer stages. This makes the 737 PIP particularly well-suited for longer-haul operations, where the reduced fuel burn can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency and operating costs.
Overall, the 737 PIP, with its new nacelle and other performance improvements, represents a significant step forward in terms of fuel efficiency and range for the 737 family of aircraft. By reducing drag, improving propulsion efficiency, and increasing fuel capacity, the 737 PIP offers increased flexibility and reduced operating costs for airlines, making it a popular choice for both short-haul and longer-stage operations.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel capacity of a 737 varies depending on the variant. The 737NG series, for example, has a greater fuel capacity than the 737 Classic series.
The fuel capacity of a 737's wings is influenced by the wing design, including the wing area and wingspan. The 737NG series has a redesigned wing with a larger area and a wider wingspan, contributing to its increased fuel capacity.
Yes, Boeing introduced the 737 PIP (Performance Improvement Package), which claims to improve fuel burn by 2% on longer stages. This package includes enhancements such as the CFM56-7B Evolution nacelle, which reduces overall drag and weight.
No, different variants of the 737 have different fuel capacities. For example, the 737-900ER (Extended Range) variant has an improved range thanks to its winglets and optional auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold.
Yes, in 2011, a 737-800 operated by United Airlines flew from Houston to Chicago using a blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel, marking an effort to reduce the aircraft's carbon footprint.
