The 737-800 entered service with its launch customer Hapag-Lloyd in 1998. The 737-800 became the basis for the Boeing Business Jet 2. 737-800 received its certification from the FAA on March 13, 1998 and from JAA on April 22, 1998. 737-800 was first delivered on April 22, 1998. 737-800 users and operators include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Ryan Air, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Air Europa, Hainan Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Alaskan Airlines, Air China and Air Berlin.

The 737-800 has a seating capacity of 162 in a two-class configuration. It incorporates a CFMI CFM56-7 engine. The 737-800 has has a typical cruising speed of 0.785 Mach and a maximum range of 3,060 nautical miles.