Summary
The largest of the Boeing 737 Next Generation, or NG, models, is the 737-900.
Designed to give carriers with 737 rated pilots an option to fly more passengers, or an alternative to types like the Airbus A321, it can hold up to 220 passengers. It was even seen as an early replacement for the Boeing 757.
Two variants of the aircraft are available – the standard -900, and the longer range -900ER, which was closer matched to the 757’s capabilities
Then there is also the 737 BBJ3, which is a VIP configuration 737-900.
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How Many 737-900s Were Built?
In total 564 Boeing 737-900s were built. These comprised:
- 52x 737-900
- 505x 737-900ER
- 7x 737-900 BBJ3
The aircraft was built between 2001 and 2019. The launch customer was Indonesia’s Lion Air, which went on to operate 78 of the -900ER models.
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Which Airlines Fly the 737-900 Today?
- Alaska Airlines, USA
- Batik Air, Indonesia
- Delta Air Lines, USA
- Eastar Jet, South Korea
- El Al, Israel
- KLM, Netherlands
- Korean Air, South Korea
- Lion Air, Indonesia
- Malindo Air, Malaysia
- Okay Airways, China
- Oman Air, Oman
- Shenzhen Airlines, China
- SmartWings, Czech Republic
- Somon Air, Tajikistan
- SpiceJet, India
- Sriwijaya Air, Indonesia
- Thai Lion Air, Thailand
- Turkish Airlines, Turkey
- Ukraine International, Ukraine
- United Airlines, USA
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VIP Aircraft
There are various private operators of the VIP configures 737-900 BBJ3. One example is Mid East Jet of Saudi Arabia.
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Previous operators of the 737-900 include:
- Arkefly (TUI fly Netherlands). Two of these were operated for Spain’s Futura Airways.
- Axis Airways, France
- Continental Airlines, USA (transferred to United Airlines on merger)
- Excel Airways/XL Airways UK, UK
- Jet Airways and JetLite, India
- Sky Airlines, Turkey
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Have you ever flown on a 737-900? Which airline and where did you fly? Leave a comment below!
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3 comments
I flewn Alaskan’s DFW-SEA route on the B739 multiple times. I have also went to Kona Hawaii from SEA on the “Salmon Thirty Salmon livery”, and from SEA-ANC on the “more to love” livery. The B739 is a very beautiful aircraft and I really wish for american to buy em’!
I flew several times on a KLM 737-900, to Madrid and Heathrow. The plane feels like flying a 737-800, but just a bit longer.
Always a little special flying the non ER version
Korean Airlines. Seoul Gimpo to Busan