Latest, Largest 737 Variant Certified April 20

One week after Boeing received FAA certification for its 737-900ER, the planemaker delivered the first customer aircraft to launch customer Lion Air. The airplane was delivered Friday in a special dual paint scheme that combines the Lion Air lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the fuselage.

As Aero-News reported, Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Jakarta-based Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. To date, Lion Air has ordered 60 737-900ERs.

"This is a proud day for me and the Lion Air family as we take delivery of the world's first 737-900ER," said Rusdi Kirana, president director of Lion Air. "The unprecedented economic advantages, passenger comfort and superior reliability of this airplane are key to our growth as we expand our routes and add new destinations."

The 220-passenger 737-900ER can fly as far as 3,200 nautical miles -- comparable to smaller variants of the 737NG.

"We thank Lion Air for having the confidence and vision to become the launch customer of the 737-900ER," said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales. "With more range and the lowest operating cost of any single-aisle jet in its class, the 737-900ER will deliver superior economics and premier service to support Lion Air's strategic expansion plans."

The twin-engine jet incorporates a new pair of exit doors and a flat rear-pressure bulkhead that allow a maximum capacity of 220 passengers in a single-class layout. The aircraft also sports aerodynamic and structural design changes, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks.

As of March 31, 2007, eight customers have placed orders for 104 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 6,800 orders have been placed for 737s.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.lionair.co.id