Jakarta-based Lion Air orders 56 Next-Generation Boeing 737-900ERs

Jakarta-based Lion Air has placed an order for 56 Next-Generation Boeing 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes. This order, valued at more than $4.4 billion at current list prices, brings Lion Air's combined orders for the 737-900ER to 178. Additionally, the airline acquired purchase rights for an additional 50 737-900ERs.

"The Next-Generation 737 is the right airplane for our airline, our customers and our growing route structure," Lion Air Founder and President Director Rusdi Kirana said. "Lion Air is committed to growing its fleet with fuel-efficient, reliable and technologically advanced aircraft, while offering its passengers the best service and lowest fares in the market."

Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. All of Lion Air's airplanes will be equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4%.

"Lion Air, the world's largest operator of the 737-900ER, is leveraging the Next-Generation 737's unmatched economics, reliability and overall value to deliver superior service for its customers," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President, Sales, Dinesh Keskar.

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 - 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).

Lion Air received the first 737-900ER in April 2007 when the airplane was delivered in a special dual paint scheme that combined the Lion Air lion on the vertical stabilizer and the Boeing livery colors on the fuselage. The airline has received a total of nine 737-900ERs to date.

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