The Boeing 737-800 is a single-aisle airliner seating 160 to 189 passengers and the most widely used model in the 737 Next Generation family. It typically cruises at around 840 km/h, while Boeing quotes a maximum range of approximately 5,190 km. Powered by two CFM56-7B engines, it remains widely represented in the European aircraft charter market.
For large-group aircraft rental, the 737-800 meets a specific need: carrying 150 to 189 passengers on a single flight across Europe and to North Africa. It followed the Boeing 737-300 and 737-400 and can be compared with the longer Airbus A321. The newer 737 MAX offers improved fuel efficiency.
At Artheau Aviation, we arrange Boeing 737-800 charters for seminars, incentive trips, conventions, supporters, sports teams and multi-aircraft programmes. We identify available aircraft, compare operators and coordinate each flight from departure through to your group’s arrival.
Passengers
160–189 seats
Depending on configuration, according to Boeing
Cruise speed
≈ 840 km/h
Typical cruise speed, according to Boeing
Range
≈ 5,190 km
Maximum quoted by Boeing; lower with a full aircraft
Baggage holds
45.1 m³
Total hold volume, according to Boeing
A Boeing 737-800 charter quotation covers the entire aircraft, regardless of how many seats are occupied. Pricing depends on flight time, aircraft positioning, airport charges, ground handling and any time spent waiting at the destination. For return flights several days apart, we compare keeping the aircraft on site with repositioning it empty between flights.
When the aircraft is well filled, the cost per seat can be competitive for groups of more than 150 passengers. For larger events, several 737-800s can depart from different cities simultaneously. We then compare this option with chartering a wide-body aircraft from a single airport.
Every proposal is priced individually after consulting several operators. Before confirmation, we explain which services are included and which factors may affect the final price.
The 737-800 is widely used for group charter flights across Europe, with seating capacity suited to major events.
A large group can travel together on one aircraft, at its preferred times.
Numerous airlines and operators fly this model in Europe, expanding the range of available aircraft.
Boeing quotes 45.1 m³ of hold space for baggage, event materials and sports equipment, subject to loading limits.
For groups exceeding 189 passengers, several 737-800s can depart from different cities for the same destination.
Its limitation: range decreases with a full passenger load and substantial baggage. For longer routes, an Airbus A321 LR or a wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A340 may be more suitable.
Boeing quotes a maximum range of approximately 5,190 km for the 737-800. Its performance data indicates around 3,645 km with a full passenger load in a two-class layout at baseline weight; higher take-off-weight variants can fly farther. For each charter, we ask the operator to confirm feasibility based on the aircraft variant, payload, winds and alternate airport.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle, the 737-800 can fly nonstop to Marrakech (approximately 2,130 km), Istanbul (2,210 km), Reykjavik (2,240 km), Heraklion (2,390 km) or Tenerife South (2,850 km). Cairo and Tel Aviv, just over 3,200 km away, may also be reachable depending on payload and aircraft variant.
For longer routes, or when a full group travels with substantial baggage, we may recommend an Airbus A321 LR or a wide-body aircraft instead.
Great-circle distances calculated by Artheau Aviation for guidance only.
The figures below are published by Boeing for the 737-800. They vary with cabin configuration and aircraft weight variant.
| Specification | Boeing 737-800 |
|---|---|
| Seats | 160–180 (two classes) · up to 189 |
| Cruise speed | ≈ 840 km/h |
| Range | up to ≈ 5,190 km · ≈ 3,645 km with full passenger load (baseline weight) |
| Engines | 2 × CFM56-7B |
| Maximum take-off weight | 70,533–79,015 kg depending on variant |
| Hold volume | 45.1 m³ |
| Length / wingspan / height | 39.5 m / 35.8 m / 12.5 m |
Sources: Boeing (737 Next Generation page, 737NG ACAP revision C and performance data).
According to Boeing, the 737-800 carries 160 to 180 passengers in a two-class configuration and up to 189 in a high-density single-class layout. Many aircraft offered for charter have a single-class cabin with 180 to 189 seats. We confirm the exact seating layout and provide a cabin plan with every proposal.
The cabin has six seats per row, with three on either side of the aisle. Some airlines offer a few business-class rows, which can be useful for executives or special guests seated towards the front.
Boeing specifies a total hold volume of 45.1 m³ for the 737-800. This can accommodate group baggage, subject to weight and loading limits. For sports teams or events carrying equipment, we check the permitted dimensions, volume and weight with the operator before confirming the aircraft.
| Charter mission | Suitability of the 737-800 | Our assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar, convention or incentive trip | Highly suitable | 150 to 189 participants travel together to Europe or North Africa at their chosen times. |
| Event with several hundred attendees | Highly suitable | Several 737-800s departing from different cities let participants use airports closer to home. |
| Supporter or sports-team travel | Suitable | Seating and hold capacity can suit supporters travelling to an away match. |
| Holiday destination (tour operator) | Suitable | Wide availability makes seasonal rotation programmes easier to arrange. |
| Group of fewer than 120 passengers | Often oversized | A CRJ1000 or Embraer 170 may offer capacity closer to the requirement. |
| Flight over 4,000 km | Requires assessment | An Airbus A321 LR or a wide-body aircraft such as the A340 may avoid a stop. |
For groups of 150 to 189 passengers travelling across Europe, to North Africa or to islands, or events requiring several aircraft in parallel.
Actual seat count, aircraft weight variant, baggage allowance and achievable range with your group’s payload on each route.
For multiple aircraft, we coordinate slots, ground handling and arrivals at each airport. We also check crew duty and rest requirements.
Similar size, longer cabin: Airbus A321. Newer and more fuel-efficient: 737 MAX. Older: 737-300 and 737-400. Smaller: CRJ1000.
In 2024, a travel agency acting for a major French company asked us to arrange air travel for its three-day seminar in Marrakech, involving approximately 1,100 participants. The programme required seven Boeing 737-800s departing simultaneously from Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Rennes. Our entire Artheau Aviation team travelled to supervise the outbound and return flights.
The company’s employees were based in several regions. Bringing everyone to a single airport would have lengthened their journeys before the flights even began.
We therefore designed a programme for the agency using four departure airports close to participants: Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Rennes.
With approximately 1,100 passengers, one aircraft could not meet the requirement. Seven 737-800s provided the necessary capacity across the four departure cities.
The routes to Marrakech, approximately 1,750 to 2,130 km, were within the aircraft’s stated range, subject to operational conditions.
For a group of this size, we checked each flight’s passenger lists and passport information ahead of departure to reduce boarding difficulties.
All seven aircraft had to remain in Marrakech throughout the three-day seminar. We arranged their parking with the airport, along with slots and ground handling.
On the outbound journey, each member of our team supervised a flight, from check-in through to arrival in Marrakech.
For the return, we coordinated operations on site with the Marrakech airport teams so all seven flights could depart for the four French cities as planned.
This mission shows how aircraft charter supports a large corporate seminar: enabling participants to depart close to home, bringing everyone together at one destination and entrusting the coordination of several aircraft to one broker working alongside the travel agency.
Tell us your route, dates, passenger numbers, possible departure cities and baggage volume. These details help determine the number of aircraft and the cabin configurations required.
We consult several operators, check aircraft and slot availability, and present one or more solutions with a breakdown of the included services.
Once you confirm, we coordinate the operators, airports, passenger lists and transfers. Your main point of contact remains available until the group arrives.
We do more than find an available aircraft. From your first request to landing, our teams coordinate every stage of your charter.
Your dedicated broker remains your main point of contact throughout your journey, from the initial request to your arrival.
We compare aircraft and certified operators to recommend the solution best suited to your itinerary, requirements and budget.
Once your flight is confirmed, our Flight Preparation team coordinates the operational details required for a smooth journey.
The team oversees flight logistics, ground handling, catering, passenger requirements and other arrangements before departure.
Every flight is operated by a certified aircraft operator holding the licences and approvals required for the mission.
We review operators, aircraft and operational requirements to check that each proposed solution meets our safety and compliance standards.
Pricing is quoted for the entire aircraft. It depends on flight time, positioning, airport charges and the number of days the aircraft waits on site. We detail the included services before confirmation.
According to Boeing, 160 to 180 in two classes and up to 189 in a single-class layout. We confirm the configuration in each proposal.
Boeing quotes up to approximately 5,190 km, with a shorter range at full passenger load. From Paris, nonstop routes can include Marrakech, Istanbul, the Greek islands and the Canary Islands.
The 737 MAX 8 has similar capacity but newer, more fuel-efficient engines. The 737-800 is more widespread; we recommend the aircraft whose availability and price best suit your route.
Both are similarly sized single-aisle airliners. The A321 often offers more seats and, in its LR version, greater range. The choice depends primarily on aircraft availability for your dates.
Yes. We coordinate aircraft departing from different cities for the same destination, with one main point of contact overseeing the programme.
As early as possible, particularly in peak season when tour operators have high demand for 737-800s. Early enquiries allow us to compare more operators.
From private jet charters to commercial group flights and dedicated cargo operations, we deliver tailored air solutions for every mission, anywhere in the world.
