The Boeing 737 is one of the most popular airplanes ever produced. Over 7,700 were produced in all variants, with a further 11,275 aircraft on order. This makes the 737 the most popular airliner to date. The 737 has a wide variety of uses and still remains extremely popular and in high demand. Since it is a mass-produced aircraft, it is also a target of constant aerodynamic improvements. Boeing looked at everything from the design of anti-collision lights, to reducing small gaps in the airfoil. This created an aircraft that was extremely aerodynamic and efficient at any task performed. The 737 was originally created on May 11, 1964, however it wasn't until November 9, 1964 that production was officially approved. On 19 February 1965 Lufthansa placed its first order for the 737-100 and on 9 April 1967 the 737 flew for the first time. By 1970, Boeing had fewer than 35 orders for the 737 and considered canceling the program. Boeing, however, ultimately decided to cut from other industries and continue the 737 program. By deciding to continue the program, Boeing paved the way for its future success and formed the backbone of many airlines in existence today that fly exclusively with the 737. The 737 shares much of the same design as the 707 and 727. It shares the upper fuselage lobe, as well as other capabilities such as cargo convertibility. In the 737-200 Boeing allowed the aircraft to be converted from passenger operations to cargo operations. This allowed the aircraft to have multiple uses. The 737-200 also allowed a gravel kit that allowed landing on unimproved airstrips. Another improvement made to the 737 design is the… medium of paper… against all odds, has become the company's strong point. In order to protect its assets, Boeing is not becoming complacent and is instead looking to make a wide variety of aerodynamic improvements. This solidified the 737 as the market leader and will maintain its leadership for decades to come. Boeing References: 737 -800 Technical Characteristics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/pf/pf_800tech.pageNext-Generation 737 Fuel Performance Improvement. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2012_q4/3/Winglets Save billions of dollars on fuel costs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2010/t_5.html Retrieved from http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=737&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=737&ViewReportF=View+Report