Aircraft

Boeing was set to roll out the first 737-900ER on 8 August bolstered by a new order from Continental Airlines, which raises the firm backlog for the longer-range model to 85 aircraft. The US carrier, which has converted 12 737 orders to the newest -900ER version, expects to take its first aircraft in 2008. First flight of the -900ER is expected in September with US certification scheduled for next February. First deliveries to Indonesia-based launch customer Lion Air are due around April. Boeing claims the 737-900ER, which replaces the 757, will have up to 9% lower operating costs per trip and 7% lower operating costs per seat than the Airbus A321. Continental's 737-900ERs will be fitted with optional blended winglets.