Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Lion Air are celebrating the delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. The airplane was delivered in a special dual paint scheme that combines the Lion Air lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the fuselage. Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Jakarta-based Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. To date, Lion Air has ordered 60 737-900ERs.

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 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 will have substantial economic advantages over competing models, including 9 percent lower operating costs per trip and 7 percent lower operating costs per seat, and 565 nautical miles more range than the A321, which is more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg) heavier. The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry- leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.

As of March 31, 2007, eight customers have placed orders for 104 Next- Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 6,800 orders have been placed for 737s.

Lion Air operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the largest low-cost airline in Asia with traffic approaching one million passengers per month since the airline’s inception in June 2000.