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Boeing
today officially launched the 737-900ER (Extended Range), the newest member of the
Next-Generation 737 family, following the completion of a sales agreement for up to 60 of the airplanes from Lion Air.
The
737-900ER was formerly known as the 737-900X.
Lion Air, Indonesia's first low-cost carrier, originally announced its intent to order up to 60 737s earlier this year. Today's firm order is for 30 of the new derivative
airplanes, with purchase rights for 30 additional models. The order is worth $3.9 billion at list prices.
The first 737-900ER is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2007.
"The Next-Generation 737 is the most efficient single-aisle airplane family today, and we are thrilled to have Lion Air as the launch customer to increase the 737 family's
capability with the additional range and seating of the 737-900ER," said Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "In addition
to the unprecedented economic advantages, the 737-900ER shares the same industry-leading reliability of the world's most successful airplane family."
The 737-900ER is the same size as today's 737-900, but, with the addition of a pair of exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead, will carry 26 additional passengers,
raising the maximum capacity from 189 to 215 in a single-class layout.
Aerodynamic and structural design changes, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing edge flap systems, and
optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks, will allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900
km), making it comparable to the 737-800's range.
"We are delighted to be the launch customer for the 737-900ER," said President Director Rusdi Kirana of Lion Air. "We are confident that the outstanding economics and
reliability of the aircraft will contribute to the expansion and modernization of our fleet."
The
new aircraft will be powered by the CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan
engines.
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