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SkyAirWorld and Lion Air Joint Venture – Lion Air Australia
SkyAirWorld and Lion Air will form a new company, Lion Air Australia, introducing Boeing’s most recently certificated aircraft, the 737-900ER*, into Australia. With first flights expected in late 2008, SkyAirWorld will facilitate Lion Air Australia’s regulatory approval application.
Routes, Fares and Frequencies are under development, but Lion Air Australia will be a good-value carrier including business and premium economy seats.
SkyAirWorld CEO, David Charlton, “We are excited by the opportunity to be Lion Air’s Australian partner. Lion Air is an aviation leader in Asia and was the launch customer for the B737-900ER. SkyAirWorld has demonstrated the skills and capability to introduce technologically advanced aircraft to the Australian marketplace. Lion Air Australia’s route network is yet to be defined but we will be connecting points not currently serviced and creating a fantastic new offering for the travelling public. Lion Air Australia will offer a good value for money product for the holiday and business traveller, including connections between Australia and its most populous neighbour, Indonesia. Lion Air Australia has created great interest since the announcement of its inception by Rusdi Kirana, the CEO of Lion Air yesterday evening.”
The 737-900ER is a short-to-medium range twinjet that increases the capability of the Next-Generation 737 family. It was launched on July 18, 2005, with an order for 30 airplanes from Lion Air. The exterior dimensions of the new 737-900ER are identical to the 737-900. Aerodynamic and structural changes allow the 737-900ER to carry more passengers and fly farther than the 737-900. Entry into service occurred in early 2007.
Major Changes
An extra pair of exit doors, aft of the wings
A two-position tail skid
A flat rear pressure bulkhead
Wing strengthening changes
Enhancements to the leading and trailing edge flap systems
Up to two optional auxiliary fuel tanks
Optional Blended Winglets
Benefits
Carries 26 more passengers than the 737-900, up to 215 passengers in a single-class configuration
Flies about 500 nautical miles farther, up to 3,200 nm (5,925 km)
Weighs 9,550 pounds (4,340 kgs) less than the A321
Has lower operating costs than the A321; about 6 percent lower per trip, and 4 percent lower per seat.