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Type rating guide · Updated May 2026

Boeing 737 NG / MAX Type Rating Guide

B737-600 · B737-700 · B737-800 · B737-900 · B737 MAX 8 · B737 MAX 9 · B737 MAX 10

Narrowbody 6–8 weeks training €20,000–€33,000
Training duration
6–8 weeks
Simulator hours
40–54 hrs
Estimated cost
€20,000–€33,000
Training bond
12–36 months
Min. hours required
200 hours multi-crew jet
Salary range
€55,000–€160,000 (FO to Captain, Europe to Middle East)

Key operators

Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, Norwegian, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Lion Air, Flydubai, WestJet, Copa Airlines, GOL

Licence & eligibility requirements

ATPL or Frozen ATPL (EASA/FAA/ICAO equivalent)

Training structure

Boeing 737 technical subjects, simulator training (4 simulator phases), OPC, Line Check

Approved training organisations

Boeing Flight Services (various global locations), CAE (Amsterdam, Dallas, Beijing, Singapore), FlightSafety, Lufthansa Aviation Training, Norwegian Aviation College

Demand outlook

Very high. The 737 remains one of the most-operated aircraft globally. MAX re-entry into service has accelerated demand.

Key facts

The Boeing 737 is the world's most commercially successful commercial airliner by units delivered.

The 737 NG (Next Generation) and 737 MAX share a common type rating, reducing transition training for pilots moving between variants.

The MAX was cleared to return to service in November 2020 (FAA) and January 2021 (EASA) following MCAS software updates.

US carriers (Southwest, American, United) operate large 737 fleets — creating significant FO pipeline demand.

Ryanair alone operates 500+ 737-800s with plans to expand its MAX fleet through 2030.

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