Boeing 737-200 (Nose Section)

The Boeing 737-200 is the second model of Boeing’s popular 737 jet. In 1965, Boeing needed a short-range jet and designed the 737 to complement their fleet of long-range 707 and medium-range 727 jets. The short-range Boeing 737 soon became the world’s best selling jet airliner. The six-foot longer fuselage on the 737-200 made it a favorite of airlines since it could carry more passengers than its predecessor model, the 737-100. Over the years and nine different models, Boeing continued to evolve the basic 737 design making it more fuel efficient by changing its engines, wing design, avionics, and flight control systems.

Early 737 models (including this one) had “eyebrow” windows, which improved visibility when turning and made star navigation easier.

Southwest Airlines celebrated the retirement of the iconic 737-200 with a pajama party to “put the plane to bed.”

Entering service with Southwest Airlines in March 1984, this Boeing 737-200 N102SW retired in January 2004. Company volunteers worked diligently to make the perfect Museum exhibit -- the front “slice” of the aircraft, including the cockpit, galley, and lavatory. Thanks to the vision and generosity of Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines Chairman, the renovated nose of N102SW became the centerpiece of the “Heart of Texas” Southwest Airlines exhibit when the Museum opened on Lemmon Avenue in May 2004.