B738 grown in size
 

180 degree turn needed 24.1m but now needs 24.3!

What happened???

Incorrect imperial to metric conversion, and someone has just double checked perhaps?

New diameter taking into account sharklets not just winglets?

It is probably the majestic B737 Max, eight inches higher, makes a difference, but rather small to notice.

Given the age of this contraption, it’s likely that the definition of a meter has become more accurate hence they updated the turn radius.

GF

Increased self-perception of size. Insecurity complex, after the C-series debacle.

The change occurred some time between the 2005 and 2013 editions of the Airplane Characteristics documents that Boeing publishes.

The numbers for the -700 and -900 have changed slightly, too.

It's the increasingly overweight passengers, Boeing engineering recognized how when they get on, the landing gear splays out.