Description:
The Boeing 737 is a popular, twin-engine, short- to medium-range airplane renowned by its reliability, simplicity and low maintenance and operating costs. The first 737, a 737-100 model, was delivered to Lufthansa in 1968. Since then, more than 5,200 737s have been ordered by airlines all over the world.
The Boeing 737-900 is a derivative of -800 model with two sections being added to the baseline model fuselage. It is the largest member of the 737 family of aircraft and can transport up to 177 passengers in a two-class configuration or 189 passengers in a one-class configuration.
The Boeing 737-900ER (Extended Range), originally known as the 737-900X, is an advanced version of the 737-900 model designed to carry more passengers and fly farther. The 737-900ER program was launched by Boeing on 18 July 2005 with Indonesia's low-cost carrier Lion Air becoming the launch customer. The first 737-900ER aircraft was expected for delivery in the first half of 2007.
The seating capacity of the -900ER model will be increased by 26 seats compared to the -900 model while retaining the same aircraft size. This translates into 215 seats in a single-aisle layout. Boeing will add two exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead that will provide more room for the additional 26 seats. The new aircraft will also feature lower operating costs per trip and lower operating costs per seat.
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. Two CFM56-7B turbofan engines will power the newest 737 and will provide economic advantages over the competition such as the Airbus A321.
On 18 July 2005, Lion Air placed an order for the Boeing 737-900ER with 30 firm order airplanes and purchase rights on another 30 airplanes. This decision turned Lion Air into the launch customer for the aircraft model. The agreement including options was valued at approximately $3.9 billion. The first 737-900ER was expected to be handed over to Lion Air during 2007.
Boeing announced a new business jet based on the Next-Generation 737-900ER airliner offering more spacious cabin than BBJ and BBJ 2 jets during Dubai Air Show in November 2005. Boeing expected to name this new aircraft the BBJ 3 after receiving its launch order. It will offer 104 square meters of cabin space and fitted with up to five auxiliary fuel tanks the aircraft will have a maximum range of 4,765 nautical miles (8,825 km).
On September 1, 2006, the first Boeing 737-900ER took to the skies over Washington state. Certification by American and European authorities is expected in early 2007 and the entry into revenue service with Lion Air was scheduled for the Spring 2007.
On 20 February 2006, New Delhi-based SpiceJet announced its intention to execute an option on 10 Next Generation Boeing 737 airplanes. The contract option included five Boeing 737-800s and five 737-900ERs plus another 10 options. On 14 August 2006, Boeing and SpiceJet signed an agreement converting ten aircraft options into five 737-800s and five 737-900ERs from an order placed in February 2005. The 10 airplanes fitted with blended winglets were valued at more than $700 million and were slated for delivery beginning in late 2007.
On 29 March 2006 General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) placed an order with Boeing for 30 firm and 30 option Boeing Next-Generation 737 valued approximately at $4 billion. The firm aircraft were set to be delivered to GECAS between 2008 through 2010. This contract included the Boeing 737-900ER and 737-800 models powered by CFM56-7B engines valued at $400 million.
On June 8, 2006, Turkish carrier Sky Airlines and Boeing announced an order for three 737-900ER airplanes fitted with advanced technology blended winglets. The aircraft were valued at $226 million at list prices with deliveries projected to begin in the first quarter of 2009.
On 17 July 2006, Jakarta-based Lion Air exercised its purchase rights on 30 additional Boeing 737-900ER airliners. These aircraft were valued at more than $2.2 billion. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in early 2010 and continue through 2012. This announcement was made public at the Farnborough Air Show in England.
On 3 October 2006, Czech Republic carrier Travel Service placed an order for two Boeing 737-900ER airliners fitted with advanced technology blended winglets. The purchase contract was valued at $150 million and included two aircraft options. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009.
On 16 October 2006 Boeing launched the BBJ3 based on the 737-900ER airliner which had already won two orders from undisclosed customers. BBJ3 is the largest member of the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) family offering 104 square meters of cabin space. Fitted with eight fuel auxiliary tanks the BBJ3 maximum range is 5,475 nautical miles. To date Boeing has sold 114 BBJs to customer's all over the world.
As of May 2007, Boeing had sold 107 BBJs, 15 BBJ 2s, and three BBJ 3s.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 215 up to 220 in a single-class configuration
Dimensions: Height 12.6 m, Length 42.1 m, Wingspan 34.3 m
Weights: Max Weight 79,243 kg (174,698 lb), Min Weight 42,901 kg (94,579 lb), Payload 20,738 kg (45,719 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 54,600 lb (24,767 kg)
Performance: Max Range 5,900 km (3,186 nm), Top Speed 261 mps (Mach 0.79)
Azerbaijan / 4 
Czech Republic / 2 
India / 5 
Indonesia / 178 
Aircraft ordered by Lion Air (178)
Romania / 3 
Aircraft ordered by Blue Air (3)
Spain
Aircraft operated by Futura International Airways which leased the aircraft from GECAS
Turkey / 3 
Turkmenistan / 2 
Aircraft ordered by Turkmenistan Airlines (2)
United Kingdom
Aircraft leased by XL Airways from GECAS
United States of America / 54 
Sold to Continental Airlines (24); GECAS (30)