What are the main Boeing commercial aircraft models?
The main Boeing commercial jet families are the 707, 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787. Each number normally identifies an aircraft family, not a single version: the 737-800, 747-400, 777-300ER and 787-9 are variants within those families. The 737, 767, 777 and 787 form Boeing’s modern production range.
In our Aviation & Real-World Flying coverage, we use the family number first and then identify the generation or variant. This matters because two aircraft carrying the same family number can differ substantially in size, engines, range, cockpit equipment and operating procedures.
Main Boeing commercial aircraft families
| Family | Aircraft type and usual role | Representative versions | Programme position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 707 | Four-engine, single-aisle jet for medium- and long-haul routes | 707-120, 707-320 and the closely related 720 | Legacy family; out of production |
| 717 | Small twin-engine, single-aisle jet for short routes | 717-200 | Legacy family; out of production |
| 727 | Rear-engined, single-aisle trijet for short- and medium-haul flying | 727-100 and 727-200 | Legacy family; out of production |
| 737 | Twin-engine, single-aisle airliner covering short- and medium-haul routes | Original, Classic, Next Generation and MAX families | 737 MAX generation in production |
| 747 | Four-engine, twin-aisle jumbo jet for long-haul passenger and cargo operations | 747-100 through -400, 747SP and 747-8 | Production ended in 2023 |
| 757 | High-capacity, single-aisle twinjet with strong runway performance and medium-to-long range | 757-200, 757-300 and 757 freighters | Legacy family; out of production |
| 767 | Medium-sized twin-aisle jet used for passenger, cargo and military-derived roles | 767-200, -300, -400ER and 767-300F | Passenger versions out of production; freighter programme continued into the mid-2020s |
| 777 | Large twin-engine, twin-aisle aircraft for long-haul passenger and cargo services | 777-200, -300ER, 777F and 777X | 777F production and 777X programme |
| 787 | Composite-intensive, twin-aisle Dreamliner designed for long-haul efficiency | 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 | Modern production family |
Which Boeing aircraft are still in production?
In the mid-2020s, Boeing’s commercial production programmes centre on the 737 MAX, 767 freighter, 777 and 787 families. The exact position differs by variant: an aircraft may be in development or certification, available only as a freighter, or no longer offered despite thousands remaining in airline service.
- 737 MAX: Boeing’s modern single-aisle generation, comprising the MAX 7, 8, 9 and 10 programmes. Certification and delivery status must be checked separately for each version.
- 767: Commercial production has focused on the 767-300F freighter. Passenger 767s remain active but are no longer regular production models.
- 777: The established 777F is joined by the newer 777X programme, which includes the 777-8 and larger 777-9.
- 787: The Dreamliner range covers three sizes. Our detailed comparison of the 787-8, -9 and -10 explains their different capacity, range and route roles.
An aircraft being out of production does not make it obsolete. The 717, 737NG, 747, 757 and earlier 777 variants continue to fly because airframes can remain economically useful for decades.
What do Boeing model numbers such as 737-800 mean?
The first three digits identify the broad family, while the remaining designation identifies a generation, size or mission variant. A mistake we see constantly is treating every dash number as a completely separate aircraft family.
- 737 identifies the overall single-aisle family.
- 737-800 identifies a stretched member of the 737 Next Generation series.
- 737 MAX 8, also designated 737-8, identifies the roughly corresponding MAX-generation size.
- ER means Extended Range, LR means Long Range, and F normally identifies a purpose-built freighter.
- BCF means Boeing Converted Freighter: a passenger aircraft converted for cargo use rather than built as a freighter from the outset.
A larger number does not always mean a newer or larger aircraft across different families. The 757 and 767 were developed in the same broad era, while the smaller-numbered 777 is generally larger than the later 787. Compare specifications within a family rather than assuming the numbering forms a simple size scale.
Why is the Boeing 717 different from the other families?
The 717 began as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95 and received its Boeing name after Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged. It is therefore a Boeing commercial model, but its design lineage runs through the DC-9 and MD-80 family rather than the 707-to-787 development sequence.
Boeing also inherited responsibility for aircraft such as the MD-80, MD-90 and MD-11. They remain McDonnell Douglas designs and are not normally listed as Boeing 7x7 families.
Are there other Boeing commercial aircraft?
Boeing produced important aircraft before the jet-age numbering sequence, including the Boeing 247, 307 Stratoliner, 314 Clipper flying boat and 377 Stratocruiser. The 720 was a lighter, shortened relative of the 707 sold under its own model number.
Boeing Business Jets are specialised versions of airliner families rather than separate basic models. The widely used “797” label has generally been an unofficial name for a possible future programme, not an existing production airliner.
Which Boeing model is best for flight simulation?
Choose the 737 for short- and medium-haul airline operations, the 757 or 767 for older twinjet procedures, the 747 for four-engine heavy-aircraft management, and the 777 or 787 for modern long-haul flying. An FSX 737-800 base aircraft represents one 737NG variant, not every aircraft carrying the 737 name.
Match performance figures, checklists and liveries to the exact variant. A 737-800 checklist should not automatically be applied to a MAX 8, and a 747-400 is not interchangeable with a 747-8. If the choice is between manufacturers rather than individual models, our guide to Boeing and Airbus design and operating differences covers the more meaningful comparison.