Lion Air and Boeing Complete Sales Agreement for up to 60
737-900ERs
As hinted at (bluntly) by ANN on a
number of occasions, Boeing has officially launched the 737-900ER
(Extended Range) -- the newest member of the world's best-selling
Next-Generation 737 family -- following the completion of a sales
agreement for up to 60 of the airplanes from Lion Air.
The 737-900ER, formerly known as the 737-900X, will carry more
passengers and fly farther, increasing the capability of the
Next-Generation 737 airplane family.
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 airplane, 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, 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."
Powered by the CFM International CFM56-7B turbofan engines, the
new derivative will have substantial economic advantages over
competing models including 9 percent lower operating costs per trip
and 7 percent lower operating costs per seat than the A321, which
is more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) heavier than the
737-900ER.
The Next-Generation 737s are 10 years newer and fly higher,
faster, farther and more quietly than competing models. To date, 86
airlines have placed orders for more than 2,700 Next-Generation
737s.