About the Boeing 737-900
Alaska Airlines was the launch customer and took delivery of the first 737-900 in May 2001. The original model first flew on August 3, 2000 and received FAA certification on April 17, 2001. Its overall length is 42.1 m, making it longer than the 737-800. Boeing noted in 1999 that both the original 737-900 and the 737-800 were limited to 189 passengers.
The 737-900ER addressed that limit. Boeing launched the ER in July 2005 with an order from Lion Air. The ER adds a pair of exit doors behind the wing, a flat rear pressure bulkhead and optional winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks. Boeing quotes up to 215 passengers and a range of 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km).
The original 737-900 and the later 737-900ER must be distinguished when quoting seating limits.
Seating capacity and cabin layout
Boeing's airport planning document gives these reference figures for the 737-900:
- 177 seats in a typical two-class layout
- 189 seats in an all-economy layout, the certified maximum
For the 737-900ER, Boeing states up to 215 passengers. Boeing's current 737NG comparison table lists a higher maximum of 220 for the 737-900 family. These figures should not be treated as interchangeable limits for every original 737-900 or ER configuration. Airline seating layouts can be substantially below either figure. One Delta 737-900ER layout has 180 seats: 20 Delta First, 27 Delta Comfort and 133 Delta Main.
How to recognize a Boeing 737-900
At 42.1 m the 737-900 is 2.6 m longer than the 737-800, but both share the same 35.8 m wingspan, so from a distance the difference is subtle. Useful clues:
- Original 737-900: no extra door behind the wing, and the same 189 passenger limit as the 737-800.
- 737-900ER: an additional exit door on each side behind the wing. The exit configuration can differ, so the individual model record remains important.
- Winglets were optional on the 737-900ER, and winglets alone do not establish which 737 model is being viewed.
Variants and related aircraft
The 737-900ER is Boeing's long range, higher capacity derivative of the 737-900; its approved weight and cabin limits depend on the configuration. B739 is not a code for the whole 737 family. B737 identifies the 737-700 and related derivatives, B738 the 737-800, and B38M the later 737 MAX 8.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Boeing 737-900ER the same aircraft as the 737-900?
Not quite. The 737-900ER has the same 42.1 m fuselage, but Boeing added a pair of exit doors behind the wing, a flat rear pressure bulkhead and optional auxiliary fuel tanks, raising capacity to 215 passengers and range to 3,200 nautical miles.
Which airlines were early customers?
Alaska Airlines was the launch customer and received its first aircraft in 2001. Continental, KLM and Korean Air ordered it early on. Lion Air was the launch customer for the 737-900ER programme announced in 2005, and Delta publishes a passenger cabin layout for the ER.
When did the Boeing 737-900 first fly?
The 737-900 first flew on August 3, 2000 and received FAA certification on April 17, 2001.
Sources
- faa.gov — appendix_3.html
- faa.gov — NAARMO_US_Commercial_RVSM_Approvals_Part_121_Section_3_0.pdf
- boeing.com — 737ng
- boeing.com — 737NG_REV_C.pdf
- sec.gov — g27879b2e424b2.htm
- boeing.mediaroom.com — news releases statements
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 1999 02 08 Boeing 737 900 Reaches Firm Design Configuration
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 2005 07 18 Boeing Launches New Higher Capacity Longer Range 737
- boeing.mediaroom.com — 2006 01 26 Boeing Nears 737 900ER Design Completion
- delta.com — 737 900er
Aircraft information reviewed on . Airline configurations can change.