The Boeing Company today 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 (5,900 km), 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.”
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