The 737-800 is a significantly longer aircraft, with 189 seats. The project was launched in 1994 and delivered to Hapag Lloyd the following year. This multifunctional wide body airliner has been successful for 40 years because of its internal capacity but also due to an extended range beyond that of previous models which will allow it fly flights up to 5000 miles from departure location without refueling.

Differences between this model and earlier ones include: fuselage plugs (of 3m forward and 2.84m aft), engine thrust increased by 26,400Lbs., additional over-wing exits similar those found on -400s as well as tailskid additions at section 48 like all other modernized versions before it (-700).