The story
Southwest Airlines launched the 737-500 in 1987, and the prototype first flew on 30 June 1989. It was designed as a modern replacement for the 737-200: about the same size, but with CFM56-3 engines about 25% more fuel-efficient, and the longest range of the Classic family. Boeing delivered 389 before the last left the line in 1999. Southwest flew its last -500 in September 2016, and second-hand -500s found long careers with Russian airlines such as Utair.
Although it is the smallest Classic, the 737-500's fuselage is 1 ft 7 in longer than the 737-200 it was built to replace.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Boeing 737-500?
Flat-bottomed CFM56-3 nacelles say 737 Classic, and a short, stubby body says -500: about 102 ft, roughly 8 ft shorter than a -300. Like the -300 it has one overwing exit per side. A 737-200 of similar length has long, thin JT8D engines instead.
What does a Boeing 737-500 sound like?
The buzzy CFM56-3 whine of 1990s short-haul flying.
How many people does the Boeing 737-500 carry?
Typical configuration: 110-132.
How far can the Boeing 737-500 fly?
Range is about 2,375 nmi (110 passengers).
How big is the Boeing 737-500?
It is 101 ft 9 in long and 94 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the Boeing 737-500 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1989.
How many Boeing 737-500s have been built?
389 built.
How rare is a Boeing 737-500 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Boeing 737-500 catch is worth 25 points.
