I
In 1970, Boeing received
only 37 orders. Facing
financial difficulties, Boeing
considered closing the 737
production-line and selling
the design to Japanese
aviation companies. After the
cancellation of the Boeing Supersonic
Transport, and scaling back of 747
production, enough funds were freed up to
continue the project.
737-200 planform
In a bid to increase sales by offering a variety of options, Boeing offered a 737C
(Convertible) model in both -100 and -200 lengths. This model featured a 340 cm
× 221 cm (134 in × 87 in) freight door just behind the cockpit, and a strengthened floor
with rollers, which allowed for palletized cargo.
A 737QC (Quick Change) version with palletized seating allowed for faster configuration
changes between cargo and passenger flights. With the improved short-field
capabilities of the 737, Boeing offered the option on the -200 of the gravel kit, which
enables this aircraft to operate on remote, unpaved runways.
Until retiring its -200 fleet in 2007, Alaska Airlines used this option for some of its rural
operations in Alaska. Northern Canadian operators Air Inuit, Air North, Canadian North,
First Air and Nolinor Aviation still operate the gravel kit aircraft in Northern Canada,
where gravel runways are common.
In 1988, the initial production run of the -200 model ended after producing 1,114
aircraft. The last one was delivered to Xiamen Airlines on August 8, 1988.
Boeing B737
June 2017
www.alliance-airways.net
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