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Boeing
unveiled its new 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane Tuesday, before thousands of employees and guests at the company's Renton,
Wash., manufacturing facility.
Indonesian dancers escorted the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family along the south shores of Lake Washington as
employees and 737 supplier representatives, local and Indonesian government officials and Indonesian launch customer, Lion Air, looked on.
Boeing launched the 737-900ER in July 2005 when Jakarta-based Lion Air announced an order for 30 737-900ERs. Lion Air also exercised
purchase rights for 30 additional 737-900ERs in June 2006. In addition to Lion Air, the 737-900ER has been ordered by Continental Airlines, GE
Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and Sky Airlines. Futura International Airways and Excel Airways will begin operating 737-900ERs on lease
from GECAS in 2008.
The first 737-900ER will be delivered to Lion Air in the first half of 2007, following a five-month flight test program.
"The induction of the 737-900ER into our fleet will give Lion Air the competitive advantage both in cost savings and service," said Rusdi
Kirana, president-director of Lion Air. "We are proud to be the only airline in Southeast Asia that will operate the 737-900ER, which will support our strategic
plan to expand our routes and add new destinations within our growing market."
The 737-900ER is the same size as the 737-900, but can carry 26 additional passengers in a one-class configuration. At 138 ft., 2 in. long, the
twin-engine jet incorporates a new pair of exit doors and a flat rear-pressure bulkhead that allows a maximum capacity of 215 passengers 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).
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