United airlines' Boeing 737 ER

Boeing has secured an historic order from United Airlines for 737 aircraft in a deal worth up to $14.7bn at list prices, bringing the company’s orders for the model to 10,000.

United Airlines’s order includes 50 Boeing Next-Generation 737-900 extended range (ER) and 100 new 737 Max 9 airplanes, which are refurbished 737s, featuring new engines.

United Airlines president and CEO Jeff Smisek said that the new aircraft would offer passengers more reliability and comfort, while also make the airlines’ fleet more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

"New aircraft deliveries support our flexible fleet plan, permitting us to tailor future capacity up or down, based on changes in demand or other market conditions," Smisek added.

"New aircraft deliveries support our flexible fleet plan, permitting us to tailor future capacity up or down, based on changes in demand or other market conditions."

Powered by the new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International, the new 737 MAX is equipped with an advanced technology winglet to offer an 8% operating cost advantage over its future competitors and provide a 13% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

With a seating capacity of 180 passengers, the 737-900ER and 737 MAX 9 aeroplanes will feature Boeing’s sky interiors with a wider cabin, including additional headroom and LED lighting.

Boeing currently has more than 1,200 orders and commitments for its 737 MAX from 18 customers.

Deliveries of the 737-900ERs and 737 Max 9 aircraft are expected to take place in late 2013 and 2018 respectively.

As the North American launch customer for the 737 MAX 9, United Airlines operates an average of 5,605 flights to 375 airports on six continents annually and had flown more than two million flights in 2011.

Image: Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-900 extended range aircraft, operating for United Airlines. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.