Previously Listed On Planemaker's Site
Lion Air likes its long-range 737s. On Tuesday, Boeing confirmed
a previously unidentified Lion Air order for 22 737-900ER (Extended
Range) airplanes. Jakarta-based Lion Air's order was placed during
the second quarter of 2007 and was listed in the unidentified
category on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site.
This order, valued at more than $1.7 billion at current list
prices, brings Lion Air's combined orders for the 737-900ER to
122.
"The Next-Generation 737's reliability, passenger comfort, and
low cost of operation and maintenance play a crucial role in
supporting our growing route structure," said Lion Air founder and
President Director Rusdi Kirana. "The 737 is the right airplane for
our airline and our customers."
Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005, when Lion
Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. In
July 2006, the airline announced an order for 30 more 737-900ERs,
and in June 2007 it announced an order for an additional 40 at the
Paris Air Show. All of Lion Air's airplanes will be equipped with
performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel
efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to four percent.
"Lion Air, the world's largest operator of the 737-900ER, is
providing unmatched service for its customers throughout Southeast
Asia, and is utilizing the 737-900ER's economic advantages to
provide value for the airline and for its passengers," said Dinesh
Keskar, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We
look forward to growing our relationship with this most valued
customer for many years to come."
The 737-900ER 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. 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 will
allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and
increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles.
As of November 30, eight customers have placed orders for 169
737-900ERs. The 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner in
history, with more than 7,000 orders from more than 240 customers
around the world.
As ANN reported, Lion Air
received the first 737-900ER in April when the airplane was
delivered in a special dual paint scheme that combined the Lion Air
lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the
fuselage. The airline will receive a total of seven 737-900ERs in
2007.