Boeing 737-500

The compact classic 737 built for short- and medium-haul routes.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: B735 1966–2020 Active $31 million (2020)

The Boeing 737-500 is the smallest member of the 737 Classic series. Introduced in the late 1980s, it was designed as a replacement for earlier 737-200 aircraft. The model provided improved efficiency and updated avionics.

Live Fleet Activity (B735)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × CFM56-3B1
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 20,100 lbf · 89 kN
Avionics
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
132
Crew
—
Cabin width
11 ft 7 in  ·  3.54 m
Cabin height
7 ft 0 in  ·  2.13 m
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
101 ft 9 in  ·  31.01 m
Tail height
20 ft 2 in  ·  6.15 m
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 2 in  ·  4.01 m
Wing span
94 ft 9 in  ·  28.88 m
Baggage volume
1,374 ft³  ·  38.9 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
150,000 lb  ·  68,000 kg
Max landing weight
110,000 lb  ·  49,900 kg
Max payload
—
Fuel capacity
5,300 gal · 20,100 L · 16,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
492 kt  ·  566 mph  ·  911 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
128 kt  ·  147 mph  ·  237 km/h
Range
2,950 nm  ·  3,390 mi  ·  5,460 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
37,000 ft  ·  11,300 m
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min  ·  15 m/s
Takeoff distance
8,700 ft  ·  2,650 m
Landing distance
4,600 ft  ·  1,400 m
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Aer Lingus Boeing 737 500

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Operational Context

Boeing 737-500 — short-fuselage single-aisle jetliner

The 737-500 first flew in 1989 and entered service in 1990. It features a shorter fuselage compared with the 737-300 and -400 while incorporating CFM56 engines. The aircraft retained the basic 737 airframe and low-mounted swept wing configuration.

Powered by two CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 20,000 pounds of thrust (89 kN) each, the 737-500 cruises at around 450 knots (833 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 130,000 pounds (58,967 kg). Seating typically ranges from 108 to 132 passengers depending on layout.

The 737-500 served airlines worldwide on short- and medium-haul routes. Many aircraft have since been retired or converted to specialized roles. The model was an important part of the 737 Classic generation.