Which airline was the launch customer for the Boeing 737-800?

Hapag-Lloyd Flug was the launch customer for the Boeing 737-800.

The German charter airline received the first 737-800 in 1998. The aircraft was part of Boeing's 737 Next Generation family, which introduced a new wing, updated engines, a modernized cockpit, and greater range than earlier 737 models.

Hapag-Lloyd Flug used the type on leisure routes, where the 737-800's increased seating capacity and range suited flights from Germany to Mediterranean and other holiday destinations.

The 737-800 is sometimes mistakenly attributed to Southwest Airlines because Southwest was the launch customer for the shorter 737-700. The two airlines therefore have different launch-customer records within the same Next Generation family. The 737-800 went on to become one of Boeing's most widely used commercial jet variants.