The Boeing 737-900 is another variant in the 737 Next Generation (NG) family, known for being the longest version of the 737. It's a short-to-medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body airliner, primarily designed to offer more capacity than its -800 sibling.
Here are some key characteristics:
- Capacity: Typically seats between 177 and 189 passengers in a two-class configuration, but can go up to 215 in a single-class high-density layout.
- Range: Has a range of approximately 2,975 nautical miles (5,500 km).
- Engines: Like other 737 NGs, it's powered by two CFM56 turbofan engines.
- Speed: Cruising speed is around Mach 0.785 (about 514 mph or 828 km/h).
- Dimensions: Its most notable feature is its length, at 42.1 meters (138 ft 2 in), making it the longest 737 variant. It shares the same wingspan as the -800, at about 35.8 meters (117 ft 5 in).
- Key Features: It incorporates the same advanced wing design, improved engines, and modernized flight deck as other 737 NGs. Some also feature Boeing's Sky Interior.
The 737-900 was developed to compete with the Airbus A321, offering similar capacity for airlines looking to maximize passenger numbers on popular routes without needing a wide-body aircraft. It's often seen on busy domestic and regional routes.
