About the BOEING 737-3H4
The Boeing 737-3H4 is a variant of the Boeing 737-300 series, which falls within the Boeing 737 Classic series. The Boeing 737-300 series was an essential development in the history of the Boeing 737 family, bridging the gap between the original Boeing 737-100/200 series and the later Next Generation (NG) series. The 737-3H4 designation refers specifically to aircraft ordered by Southwest Airlines, which has always been a significant customer for Boeing's 737 series aircraft. The 'H4' suffix denotes a customer code used by Boeing to specify Southwest Airlines as the customer. The Boeing 737-300 itself was first introduced in the mid-1980s, with its maiden flight occurring on February 24, 1984, and subsequent entry into service in December 1984. Production of the 737-300 continued until 1999. The primary motivations for the development of the Boeing 737-300 series were to offer increased seating capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and quieter operation compared to its predecessors. This was achieved through the introduction of new high-bypass CFM56-3B engines, a redesigned tail, and several other aerodynamic improvements. The aircraft typically accommodates between 126 to 149 passengers in a single-class layout and up to 140 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of approximately 2,255 nautical miles. The Boeing 737-3H4 served a niche in the short to medium-haul market, offering airlines a versatile and reliable aircraft capable of efficiently serving both high-density routes and less trafficked regional destinations. One of the key benefits of the 737-3H4 and the 737-300 series, in general, is the commonality with other models in the 737 family, which simplifies training, maintenance, and operational procedures for airlines. Furthermore, the durable construction and dependable performance of the 737-300 series earned it a reputation for reliability among airlines worldwide. Despite being progressively replaced by newer models, the Boeing 737-3H4 has left an enduring legacy in commercial aviation.