Longest 737 Rolls Out and Out and Out

Boeing rolled out its first 737-900 Sunday, with simultaneous ceremonies at its Renton, Washington, factory and in downtown London.

The 737-900 is the longest 737 to date, some 8-ft. 8-in longer than the 737-800. The ­900 carries up to 177-passengers in two-class configuration and up to 189 in a single class. Range is up to 2,745nmi.
Alaska Airlines is the launch customer for the 737-900, with an order for 10. Korean, KLM and Continental Airlines also have ordered the type. First flight is planned for next month, with first delivery in April 2001.

According to Boeing, the 737-900 is the most fuel efficient single-aisle twinjet on the market today, even beating the stretched 757-300.

By Paul Proctor