=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SFGate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/n/a/2005/07/18/financial/= f160600D19.DTL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, July 18, 2005 (AP) Boeing Launches New Longer-Range 737 (07-18) 16:06 PDT SEATTLE, (AP) -- The Boeing Co. launched a new version of its narrow-body 737 jet on Monday, as it completed a 30-plane sales agreement with Lion Air, a low-cost Indonesian carrier. The 737-900ER, formerly known as the 737-900X, is designed to carry more passengers and fly farther than existing models of the single-aisle plane. Chicago-based Boeing said Lion Air's order, which included purchase righ= ts for another 30 planes, was worth $3.9 billion at list prices, though airlines typically negotiate substantial discounts. The new plane will be the same size as the current 737-900, but will car= ry an additional 26 passengers, boosting the maximum capacity to 215 in a single class. Aerodynamic and structural design changes, including stronger wings and improvements to the leading- and trailing-edge flap systems, will increase the plane's range to roughly 3,680 miles, up from 3,160. The first 737-900ER is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2007. ___ On the Net: Boeing: www.boeing.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2005 AP