A Lion-sized launch

Boeing officially begins 737-900ER program

Boeing officially launched the 737-900ER (Extended Range) last month with an order for up to 60 airplanes from Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air. The airline ordered 30 of the new derivative airplanes, with purchase rights for 30 more.

The 737-900ER, formerly called the 737-900X, is the same size as today’s 737-900—138 feet 2 inches (42.1 meters). But with an additional pair of exit doors and a redesigned rear pressure bulkhead, the jet can accommodate 26 additional passengers. The jetliner helps carriers interested in a single-class layout seat from 189 to 215 passengers—nearly the same number as the out-of-production 757-200.

The new airplane boasts several aerodynamic and structural design changes compared to its 737-900 cousin. Modifications include strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading- and trailing-edge flap systems, and optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks. These changes will allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 kilometers), making it comparable to the range of the 737-800.

Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia said the 737-900ER will allow Boeing to better compete against Airbus’ 215-seat A321. “For a while, Boeing seemed to surrender that part of the market. It’ll have superb economics,” Aboulafia said in an Everett (Wash.) Herald report. And with 215 seats, “it goes a long way toward replacing the 757.”

The first 737-900ER is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2007 after completing its flight-test program.

Allen Award winners honored at ceremony

Boeing last month honored the eight winners of the 18th annual William Allen Awards, which recognize Boeing employees who have made outstanding contributions in their communities through voluntary service. At a ceremony at Boeing World Headquarters in Chicago, the eight winners each received a plaque, a medallion and a $5,000 donation to the eligible charity of their choice. After the ceremony, the winners and their guests attended a reception hosted by Rick Stephens, senior vice president of Internal Services, and other top Boeing executives.

This year’s winners are (clockwise from top left): Orlie Meneses of El Segundo, Calif.; Tom Prezioso of El Paso, Texas; David Nestvold of Renton, Wash.; Al Davis of Philadelphia; Candis McDonald of Springfield, Va.; Tim Bischof of St. Louis; Frederick Wisdom of Omaha, Neb.; and John Smith of Macon, Ga.