Boeing is aiming to launch its proposed higher capacity, longer range737-900 derivative by the end of this month, subject to the outcome of sales talks with prospective customers Preussag and Qantas.
The 737-900X, which has a higher maximum take-off weight (MTOW) than the standard -900, can seat up to 220 passengers if airlines opt for an extra pair of Type I doors aft of the wing. The current-900 has the same emergency exits as the smaller -800, and is limited to the latter's maximum seating capacity of 189, and 79,000kg (174,200lb) MTOW.
Boeing believes the -900X, with an MTOW of 83,700kg, will better suit charter operators and compete more effectively with the Airbus A321. Seating capacity at a standard 30in (760mm) pitch is 201.
German tour operator Preussag - parent of charter airlines Hapag-Lloyd and Britannia Airways - is understood to be close to a decision on being the initial launch customer for the aircraft. Australian flag carrier Qantas is meanwhile considering whether to exercise an option it holds to convert some outstanding 737-800 commitments to the larger -900X. Qantas could make a decision by mid-year.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president product development Dan Mooney says seat-mile operating costs of the single-class, 201-seat version of the -900X will be 3% lower than the standard-900. The -900X, powered by CFM International's CFM56-7, is offered with blended winglets and a 1,971litre (520USgal) auxiliary fuel tank to increase the aircraft's design range by 555km (300nm). Service entry is targeted for June 2005.
Source: Flight International
