Airlines

By Darren Shannon in Washington, DC

Continental Airlines has converted 12 of its 65 firm Boeing 737 orders to the narrowbody’s -900ER derivative, the first US carrier to order the extended-range twinjet.

The newest aircraft to Continental’s fleet are scheduled for delivery in 2008. In a statement, the US major’s chairman and chief executive Larry Kellner says: “These new aircraft will have among the lowest operating costs in our fleet, allowing us to serve high demand markets more efficiently. The new aircraft are part of our continued focus on fleet modernisation, fuel efficiency and delivering the best product in the business.”

According to Boeing’s web site, at the end of June Continental had 66 narrowbody aircraft on firm order. These included 41 737-700s, 22 -800s, and three -900s. Continental says the 12 -900ERs will be taken from across these three derivatives, and that more conversions to the extended range aircraft are possible.

The -900ER’s range is about 500nm (925km) more than the existing 737-900.

Continental will configure its -900ERs with 20 first class-seats and 153 in economy.