RENTON – Boeing unveiled its 737-900ER Tuesday, a same-sized jet that can carry more passengers and fly farther that the standard model.
Thousands of workers and guests surveyed the new plane, a next-generation model 737, as representatives of the first customer, Indonesia’s Lion Air, looked on.
“This is a wonderful day for the Boeing team and 737 customers. The capability and value of the world’s most successful jet family continues to grow with the new 737-900ER,” said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 airplane production. “We are confident that the airplane’s unprecedented economic advantages and industry-leading reliability will enable our customers to be even more successful.
Indonesian dancers helped celebrate the unveiling.
Lion Air, based in Jakarta, ordered 30 of the extended-range jets last year. In June, it exercised purchase rights for 30 more of the jets, which can handle heavier takeoff weights and fly 3,200 nautical miles.
It can accommodate 215 passengers.
Rusdi Kirana, president-director of Lion Air, said the jets will help his company expand its routes and add new destinations in Southeast Asia’s growing market.
Continental Airlines, GE Commercial Aviation Services and Sky Airlines also have ordered the new jets. Futura International Airways and Excel Airways have lease agreements with GE and will operate the jets in 2008.
The plane must go through five months of tests before any will be delivered to Lion Air in the first half on next year.
Boeing said the jet has 9 percent lower operating costs per trip and 7 percent lower operating costs per seat than the Airbus A321.
At 138 feet, 2 inches, the twin-engine jet has strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading-and trailing-edge flap systems and optional auxiliary fuel tanks and “blended winglets,” wing-tip extensions that improve fuel efficiency.
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