Boeing 737-800 Surpasses 3,000-Mile Routes Worldwide

The Boeing 737-800, a mainstay in the aviation industry, continues to serve a variety of long-haul routes, with several flights exceeding 3,000 miles in October 2023. While it is typically overshadowed by the longer-range 737 MAX, the 737-800 remains a versatile aircraft for airlines around the globe, making it a popular choice for a wide range of carriers.

Batik Air Malaysia Leads with Longest Flights

According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, Batik Air Malaysia is the only airline operating flights longer than 3,250 miles with the Boeing 737-800 this month. The airline’s longest route connects Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Dubai (DXB), spanning an impressive 3,449 miles (5,550.6 km) with a frequency of 18 outbound flights and 17 inbound flights. Additionally, Batik Air operates routes to Tashkent (TAS) and Tokyo (NRT), with Tashkent being served six times. The distance to Tashkent is 3,329 miles (5,357.5 km), while the Tokyo route covers 3,357 miles (5,402.6 km) but has only one rotation.

Batik Air’s Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy expressed enthusiasm at the launch of the Dubai-Kuala Lumpur route, stating, “We are excited to provide our passengers with a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. The new Dubai-Kuala Lumpur route expands Batik Air’s reach, seamlessly connecting ASEAN and Asia-Pacific markets with the Middle East.”

Russian Airlines Join the Long-Distance Roster

In addition to Batik Air, several Russian airlines are leveraging the Boeing 737-800 for long-haul flights exceeding 3,000 miles. Notably, Aeroflot, the flagship carrier of Russia, operates a domestic route from Moscow (SVO) to Yakutsk (YKS) that covers 3,038 miles (4,889.2 km) six times a week. This route features 20 business seats and 138 economy seats on each flight.

Another significant player, Yakutia Airlines, also connects Moscow to Yakutsk, albeit from Vnukovo Airport (VKO). Additionally, the airline operates a route from St Petersburg (LED) to Yakutsk, covering 3,019 miles (4,858.6 km). S7 Airlines distinguishes itself by operating international routes, including a flight from Novosibirsk (OVB) to Bangkok (BKK), measuring 3,011 miles (4,845.7 km) and a connection from Irkutsk (IKT) to Phuket (HKT), spanning 3,062 miles (4,928.8 km).

Oman Air also stands out this month with the highest number of scheduled 737-800 flights exceeding 3,000 miles, totaling 94 sectors. These flights primarily serve two routes from Muscat (MCT) to Kuala Lumpur and Munich (MUC). The Kuala Lumpur route measures 3,237 miles (5,209.5 km), while the Munich route covers 3,049 miles (4,906.9 km).

Further adding to the list, Canadian carrier WestJet operates two round trips from Calgary (YYC) to Guanacaste (LIR) in Costa Rica, with flights measuring 3,223 miles (5,186.9 km). The outbound flights are scheduled as overnight ‘red-eye’ journeys.

Other notable airlines utilizing the Boeing 737-800 for long routes include TUIfly, which operates a flight from Hanover (HAJ) to Boa Vista (BVC) in Cape Verde, covering 3,072 miles (4,943.9 km), and Transavia, flying from Amsterdam (AMS) to Dubai, a distance of 3,215 miles (5,174 km). Additionally, Boliviana de Aviación has scheduled a single rotation between Miami and Viru Viru, covering 3,201 miles (5,151.5 km).

The adaptability of the Boeing 737-800 showcases its enduring relevance in the aviation market, serving diverse routes and connecting various regions worldwide. As airlines continue to leverage this model for long-haul flights, it remains a critical asset in their fleets.