Boeing has launched the 737-700ER (Extended Range), following an order conversion from ANA (All Nippon Airways) for two airplanes. The 737-700ER has the longest range capability of any 737 commercial family member, and is able to serve new nonstop, point-to-point routes profitably. ANA exercised rights to substitute 737-700s with 737-700ERs. The two 737-700ERs are part of a larger order announced June 23, 2003, for 45 737-700s.

"The value of the Next-Generation 737 family continues to grow with the 737-700ER, and we are delighted to have ANA as the launch customer," said Alan Mulally, chief executive officer and president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This new 737 derivative is a great example of how Boeing helps our customers succeed by responding to new emerging airline business requirements."

Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first airplane to ANA in early 2007.

"This special airplane will bring new possibilities for ANA in terms of the routes we fly," said ANA President and CEO Mineo Yamamoto. "It will allow us to explore destinations that could hitherto only be reached with larger aircraft, and further provide greater choice and convenience to our customers."

The 737-700ER is a Boeing Business Jet-inspired airplane, designed for long-range commercial applications. The airplane features the fuselage of the commercial 737-700 and the wings and landing gear of the larger 737-800. The high-performance derivative can fly up to 2,145 nautical miles farther than the current 737-700. With up to nine optional auxiliary fuel tanks and optional Blended Winglets, the 737-700ER is capable of flying up to 5,510 nautical miles.

Sharing the same industry-leading reliability and low operating and maintenance costs of other models in the 737 family, the 737-700ER allows carriers to compete in relatively new markets such as the long-range all-premium class market, or is particularly well suited for low-cost carriers seeking to operate on longer routes. The Next-Generation 737s are 10 years newer and fly higher, faster, farther, and more quietly than competing models. To date, 95 airlines have placed orders for more than 2,960 Next-Generation 737s. More than 1,130 737s are on order, worth about $69 billion at current list prices.

FMI: www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/index.html