The Boeing Company last week delivered Europe’s first two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and its leasing customer, Spanish carrier Futura International Airways, based in Palma de Mallorca.
Futura International Airways was created by Aer Lingus in 1989. It operates a fleet of 32 Boeing airplanes and transports more than 3 million passengers a year. Its long-haul services include Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Egypt and Gambia.
Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005. The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther. The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) certified the 737-900ER April 22.
The twin-engine jet 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, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, 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). The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over heavier competing models including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat mile.
As of March 31, nine customers have placed orders for 229 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 7,900 orders have been placed for 737s. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737.
Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing