The Boeing Company last week delivered Europe's first two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and its leasing customer, Spanish carrier Futura International Airways, based in Palma de Mallorca.

"We are very satisfied to take delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER for Europe through our lessor GECAS," said Roman Pane, CEO of Futura. "Our experience in operating the 737 will be expanded with this new aircraft model, allowing us the longest range possible for our international fleet."

Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005. The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the 737-900ER on April 22.

"Futura International Airways has established itself as a leader in the European aviation community by becoming the first carrier to operate the new 737-900ER," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Futura will be the first carrier in Europe to use the 737-900ER's new range capabilities to take its passengers to new destinations. We are honored that Futura's customers will experience the latest innovations the 737-900ER has to offer."

The twin-engine jet incorporates a new pair of exit doors and a flat rear-pressure bulkhead that allow a maximum capacity of 220 passengers in a single-class layout. Aerodynamic and structural design changes, including strengthened wings, a two-position tailskid, enhancements to the leading and trailing-edge flap systems, optional Blended Winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks, will allow the 737-900ER to accommodate higher takeoff weights and increase its range to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km). The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over heavier competing models including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat mile.

The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.

As of March 31, nine customers have placed orders for 229 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, and more than 7,900 orders have been placed for 737s. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737.

Futura International Airways was created by Aer Lingus in 1989. It operates a fleet of 32 Boeing airplanes and transports more than 3 million passengers a year. Its long-haul services include Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Egypt and Gambia.