Long-Legged Next-Generation Narrowbody Can Travel 3,175 NM
On Monday, Boeing and Continental Airlines celebrated the
delivery of the airline's first 737-900ER (Extended Range)
airplane. With this delivery, Continental becomes the first airline
in the Americas to operate the 737-900ER -- a higher-capacity,
longer-range derivative and newest member of the venerable 737
airplane family.
Continental was the first airline in the Americas to order the
737-900ER and currently has 26 more on order. Continental this year
expects to take delivery of an average of two-to-three new
Next-Generation 737s per month, which includes a mix of 737-900ERs
and 737-800s. The airplanes are part of Continental's comprehensive
fleet strategy, which focuses on improving operational efficiency
and customer comfort.
"Continental's new 737-900ER will have among the lowest
operating costs in the industry and allows us to build upon our
efficient Boeing Next-Generation 737 fleet," said Larry Kellner,
chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines.
"These aircraft are part of our continued focus on fleet
modernization, fuel efficiency and delivering the best product in
the business."
"With more range, outstanding reliability and the best operating
economics of any single-aisle jet in its class, the Boeing
737-900ER is an ideal fit for Continental's growth plans," said
John Wojick, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"These state-of-the-art Boeing airplanes certainly will contribute
to Continental's continued success."
Continental's 737-900ER is configured with 173 seats in a
two-class layout, with 20 first-class and 153 economy-class seats.
All of the airplanes are equipped with performance-enhancing
Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2
emissions by up to four percent. In the past 10 years, Continental
has recorded a 35-percent improvement in fuel efficiency, mainly as
a result of fleet modernization.
Launched in 2005, the 737-900ER increases the capability of the
Next-Generation 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther.
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 allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff
weights and increase its range up to 3,175 nautical miles.
To date, eight customers have placed orders for 169
Next-Generation 737-900ERs. The variant was certified in April
2007.
Boeing proudly notes the entire 737 line is the best-selling
commercial jetliner in history, with more than 7,600 orders to more
than 245 customers around the world.