Air Transport

Indonesia’s Lion Air has firmed up a major deal with Boeing for 737-900s in a move that pushes the airframe manufacturer closer to launching the higher-capacity, heavier-weight -900X variant.

The airline signed a firm contract on 30 June for 737-900s and the order will be for the -900X, which Boeing is preparing to launch, sources at the carrier confirm.

Boeing booked an order on 30 June for 30 737-900s from an unidentified customer. Industry sources say Lion is the buyer, adding that its deal covers 30 firm orders and 30 options. This makes it the largest single order ever for the stretched 737-900.

The Lion sources say that even though the order was firmed up last month there has been no official announcement because Boeing is still working through some “issues” relating to the -900X. An announcement is expected before the end of the month.

Boeing has been offering the -900X to potential launch customers for several years, but has yet to officially launch the programme. This new variant – likely to be designated the -900ER – will have a higher maximum take-off weight than the standard -900 and be able to seat up to 220 passengers.

LEITHEN FRANCIS/SINGAPORE