Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport ( IATA : SIT , ICAO : PASI , FAA LID : SIT ) is a state-owned, public-use airport located west of the central business district of Sitka , a city and borough in the U.S. state of Alaska .
72-531: The airport is named after Sitka's former mayor Rocky Gutierrez . It features a single terminal with jetway with air service operated year-round by Alaska Airlines and seasonally by Delta Air Lines regional affiliate Delta Connection operated by SkyWest Airlines . There is a single paved runway located on a causeway that juts off Japonski Island . Deceased tuberculosis patients from the nearby SEARHC/Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital were buried on airport grounds and had to be relocated during construction. That section of
144-491: A video game console in a video arcade. Marketing space on jetways was uncommon until the early 2000s when HSBC launched their campaign "The World's Local Bank". Peter Stringham, head of marketing for HSBC worldwide, worked closely with Lowe's, the Group's global agency, in developing the campaign which required a single global platform. Stringham noticed jetways were a global medium which had not been tapped. HSBC thus bought
216-471: A 17-year-old 737-800W will be worth $ 9.5 million and leased for $ 140,000 per month. As of May 2019, Boeing had delivered 4,979 737-800s, 116 737-800As, and 21 737-800 BBJ2s, and has twelve 737-800 unfilled orders. The 737-800 is the best-selling variant of the 737NG and is the most widely used narrow-body aircraft. Ryanair , an Irish low-cost airline , is among the largest operators of the Boeing 737-800, with
288-427: A 171,000-pound (78,000 kg) MTOW , but with a cargo payload capacity significantly decreased from 966 to 165 cu ft (27.4 to 4.7 m ), trading payload for increased range of 5,775 nmi (10,695 km; 6,646 mi). The first was delivered on February 16, 2007, to ANA with 24 business-class and 24 premium-economy seats only. A 737-700 can typically accommodate 126 passengers in two classes. It
360-630: A 5.5% fuel savings per aircraft compared to 3.3% savings for the blended winglets. Southwest Airlines flew their first flight of a 737-800 with Split Scimitar winglets on April 14, 2014. The wing was redesigned with a new thinner airfoil section, and a greater chord and increased wing span (by 16 ft [4.9 m]) increased the wing area by 25%, which also increased total fuel capacity by 30%. New quieter and more fuel-efficient CFM56-7B engines are used. Higher MTOWs are offered. The 737NG includes redesigned vertical stabilizers, and winglets are available on most models. The 737NG encompasses
432-524: A 737-800 fuel burn of 4.88 US gal (18.5 L) per seat per hour, compared to 5.13 US gal (19.4 L) for the A320. In 2011, United Airlines — flying a Boeing 737-800 from Houston to Chicago—operated the first U.S. commercial flight powered by a blend of algae-derived biofuel and traditional jet fuel to reduce its carbon footprint . In early 2017, a new 737-800 was valued at $ 48.3 million, falling to below $ 47 million by mid-2018. By 2025,
504-488: A 737-800 results in 0.5% reduction in fuel burn. Delta Air Lines received the first Next-Gen 737 model with this brake package, a 737-700, at the end of July 2008. The CFM56-7B Evolution nacelle began testing in August 2009 to be used on the new 737 PIP (Performance Improvement Package) due to enter service mid-2011. This new improvement is said to shave at least 1% off the overall drag and have some weight benefits. Overall, it
576-454: A MTOW of 174,100 lb (79,000 kg). In 2015, Boeing launched the 737-800SF passenger to freighter conversion program with Aeronautical Engineers Inc (AEI). The conversion can be completed by AEI or third parties such as HAECO . GECAS was the initial customer. It has a 52,800-pound (23,900 kg) payload capacity, and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi). It received its supplemental type certificate from
648-416: A fleet of over 400 of the -800 variant serving routes across Europe, Middle East, and North Africa. In February 2016, Boeing launched a passenger-to-freighter conversion program, with converted aircraft designated as 737-800BCF (for Boeing Converted Freighter). Boeing started the program with orders for 55 conversions, with the first converted aircraft due for late 2017 delivery. The first converted aircraft
720-464: A hazard for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues. By using a retractable tunnel design, loading bridges may retract and extend varying lengths. Some airports use fixed walkways to effectively extend the reach of a loading bridge. The fixed walkway extends out from the terminal building and connects to the loading bridge rotunda. Occasionally, fixed bridges lead to multiple loading bridges. There are some jetways (such as several older bridges on
792-533: A lawsuit on behalf of the U.S. government, claiming that dozens of 737NG contained defective structural elements supplied by airframe manufacturer Ducommun , allegations denied by Boeing. The federal judge presiding the case sided with Boeing, and a subsequent court of appeal also ruled in favor of the company. A 2010 documentary by Al Jazeera alleged that in three crashes involving 737NGs— Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 , American Airlines Flight 331 , and AIRES Flight 8250 —the fuselage broke up following impact with
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#1733202692784864-563: A lifetime of 90,000 flights. Boeing reported the issue to the FAA at the end of September 2019, and more planes showed similar cracking after inspection. The cracks were found in an airliner with more than 33,500 flights, when it was stripped down for conversion to freighter. Aircraft with more than 30,000 flights (15 years at 2,000 flights per year) should be inspected within one week, while those with over 22,600 flights (11 years) should be inspected within one year. The FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD)
936-442: A nearly weather-proof seal. Additionally, many models offer leveling devices for the portion of the floor that makes contact with the aircraft; this allows passengers to slowly transition from level aircraft floor to sloping jet bridge floor. As such, jet bridges provide enhanced access to aircraft for passengers with many types of disabilities and mobility impairments , as they may board and disembark without climbing stairs or using
1008-406: A new -700 stayed around $ 35 million from 2008 to 2018. A 2003 aircraft was valued for $ 15.5 million in 2016 and $ 12 million in 2018 and will be scrapped for $ 6 million by 2023. The 737-700C is a convertible version where the seats can be removed to carry cargo instead. There is a large door on the left side of the aircraft. The United States Navy was the launch customer for the 737-700C under
1080-444: A pivot (or rotunda) to the terminal building and have the ability to swing left or right. The cabin, at the end of the loading bridge, may be raised or lowered, extended or retracted, and may pivot, to accommodate aircraft of different sizes. These motions are controlled by an operator's station in the cab. The cab is provided with an accordion-like canopy , which allows the bridge to dock with aircraft with differing shapes, and provide
1152-410: A specialized wheelchair lift . Some airports with international gates have two or even three bridges for larger aircraft with multiple entrances. In theory, this allows for faster disembarking of larger aircraft, though it is quite common, especially on aircraft such as Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s , to use one bridge for only passengers in first class and/or business class , while the other bridge
1224-400: Is accomplished by a flight of stairs and, in some instances, a wheelchair lift . In this scenario, a passenger proceeds through the gate and then up a flight of stairs to meet the height of the jet bridge. An example of this can be found at South Bend International Airport . Alternatively, a ramp can be used in the terminal building to bring the passengers from the waiting area to the height of
1296-466: Is an enclosed, movable connector which most commonly extends from an airport terminal gate to an airplane , and in some instances from a port to a boat or ship , allowing passengers to board and disembark without heading outside and being exposed to harsh weather. Depending on building design, sill heights, fueling positions, and operational requirements, a jet bridge may be fixed or movable , swinging radially, or extending in length. The jetway
1368-474: Is available for the 737NG models and standard equipment for the 737-900ER. In July 2008, Boeing offered Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 's new carbon brakes for the Next-Gen 737s, which are intended to replace steel brakes and will reduce the weight of the brake package by 550–700 pounds (250–320 kg) depending on whether standard or high-capacity steel brakes were fitted. A weight reduction of 700 pounds (320 kg) on
1440-434: Is claimed to have a 2% improvement on fuel burn on longer stages. This short-field design package is an option on the 737-600, -700, and -800 and is standard equipment for the new 737-900ER. These enhanced short runway versions could increase pay or fuel loads when operating on runways under 5,000 feet (1,500 m). Landing payloads were increased by up to 8,000 lb on the 737-800 and 737-900ER and up to 4,000 lb on
1512-410: Is for the use of passengers in economy class . In some designs, the second jet bridge would even extend over the aircraft wing, being suspended from an overhead structure. This was, for example, originally adopted for most wide body gates at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol . The Airbus A380 is unique in that both of its two passenger decks have outside access doors and so using loading bridges for each deck
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#17332026927841584-510: Is possible, having the advantage of faster aircraft loading (in parallel). Faster loading can lead to lower airport charges, fewer delays and more passenger throughput for the airport, all factors which impact an airline's bottom line . Though loading bridges are usually permanently attached at their terminal-building end, leaving only the cab free to move, this is not always the case. Those at Melbourne Airport 's international terminal, and at Hong Kong 's former Kai Tak Airport , are anchored in
1656-622: Is similar to the Airbus A319LR . The Boeing 737-800 is a stretched version of the 737-700. It replaced the 737-400 and competes primarily with the Airbus A320 . The 737-800 seats 162 passengers in a two-class layout or 189 passengers in a one-class layout. The 737−800 was launched on September 5, 1994. Launch customer Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUI fly Deutschland ) received the first one in April 1998. Following Boeing's merger with McDonnell Douglas,
1728-455: Is the Airbus A320 family . As of September 2024 , a total of 7,126 737NG aircraft had been ordered, of which 7,112 had been delivered, with remaining orders for two -700, two -800, and 10 -800A variants. The most-ordered variant was the 737-800, with 4,991 commercial, 191 military, and 23 corporate, or a total of 5,205 aircraft. Boeing stopped assembling commercial 737NGs in 2019 and made
1800-475: The 737 Classic (–300/–400/–500) series. Compared to the 737 Classic, it has a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, greater fuel capacity, and higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW) and longer range. It has CFM International CFM56-7 series engines, a glass cockpit , and upgraded and redesigned interior configurations. The series includes four variants, the –600/–700/–800/–900, seating between 108 and 215 passengers. The 737NG's primary competition
1872-413: The 737 Next Generation (NG) program was announced on November 17, 1993. The first NG to roll out was a 737−700, on December 8, 1996. This aircraft, the 2,843rd 737 built, first flew on February 9, 1997, with pilots Mike Hewett and Ken Higgins. The prototype 737−800 rolled out on June 30, 1997, and first flew on July 31, 1997, piloted by Jim McRoberts and again by Hewett. The smallest of the new variants,
1944-626: The Airbus A319 . In long-range cruise, it burns 4,440 lb (2,010 kg) per hour at Mach 0.785 (450 kn; 834 km/h) and FL410, increasing to 4,620–4,752 lb (2,096–2,155 kg) at Mach 0.80 – Mach 0.82 (459–470 kn; 850–871 km/h). As of July 2018, all -700 series on order, 1,128 -700, 120 -700 BBJ, 20 -700C, and 14 -700W aircraft, have been delivered. By June 2018, around one thousand were in service: half of them with Southwest Airlines , followed by WestJet with 56 and United Airlines with 39. The value of
2016-529: The Civil Air Patrol , and various private enterprises. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka also has a complex attached to the airport for their helicopters but their rotary-wing aircraft based in Sitka seldom use the runway for takeoffs and landings. Safety hazards include ocean waves washing onto the runway during storms, high winds because of its exposed location, and large flocks of birds that live very close to
2088-505: The FAA in early 2019. In March 2019, the first AEI converted aircraft was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines on lease from GECAS. The Civil Aviation Administration of China cleared it in January 2020. Aircraft lessor Macquarie AirFinance ordered four 737-800SFs in March 2021. Boeing later introduced the 737-900, an even longer variant stretched to 138 ft 2 in (42.11 m). Because
2160-422: The -600, -700, -800, and -900 with improved performance and commonality retained from previous 737 models. The wing, engine, and fuel capacity improvements combined increase the 737's range by 900 nautical miles [nmi] (1,700 km; 1,000 mi) to over 3,000 nmi (5,600 km; 3,500 mi), permitting transcontinental service. The Speed Trim System, introduced on the 737 Classic, has been updated for
2232-408: The 12-month period ending January 2, 2011, the airport had 23,100 aircraft operations, an average of 63 per day: 43% air taxi , 43% general aviation , 8% scheduled commercial , and 6% military . At that time there were 30 aircraft based at this airport: 70% single- engine , 13% ultralight , 10% military , and 7% multi-engine. The airport also has hangars and offices for local air traffic control,
Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport - Misplaced Pages Continue
2304-597: The 2017 and 2018 summer seasons, it's been flown by the Embraer 175 also operated by SkyWest. In addition to providing passenger service, Alaska Airlines also operates Boeing 737-700 all-cargo jet freighter flights into the airport. Download coordinates as: Jetway A jet bridge (also termed jetway , jetwalk , airgate , jetty , gangway , aerobridge / airbridge , finger , skybridge , airtube , expedited suspended passenger entry system ( E-SPES ), or its official industry name passenger boarding bridge ( PBB ))
2376-597: The 737-500 and is similar to the Airbus A318 . Winglets were not an option. WestJet was to launch the -600 with winglets, but dropped them in 2006. In November 1993, Southwest Airlines launched the Next-Generation program with an order for 63 737-700s and took delivery of the first one in December 1997. It replaced the 737-300, typically seating 126 passengers in two classes to 149 in all-economy configuration, similar to
2448-627: The 737-600 and 737-700. Takeoff payloads were increased by up to 2,000 lb on the 737-800 and 737-900ER and up to 400 lb on the 737-600 and 737-700. The package includes: The first enhanced version was delivered to Gol Transportes Aéreos (GOL) on July 31, 2006. At that time, twelve customers had ordered the package for more than 250 airframes. Customers include: GOL, Alaska Airlines , Air Europa , Air India , Egyptair , GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), Hapagfly , Japan Airlines , Pegasus Airlines , Ryanair , Sky Airlines and Turkish Airlines . In 2005, three ex-Boeing employees filed
2520-502: The 737-800 also filled the gap left by Boeing's decision to discontinue the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft. For many airlines in the U.S., the 737-800 replaced aging Boeing 727-200 trijets . The 737-800 burns 850 US gallons (3,200 L) of jet fuel per hour—about 80 percent of the fuel used by an MD-80 on a comparable flight, while carrying more passengers. The Airline Monitor, an industry publication, quotes
2592-514: The 737-800, and has increased range (through the use of extra fuel tanks) over the other various 737 models. The first BBJ rolled out on August 11, 1998, and flew for the first time on September 4. A total of 113 BBJ1s were delivered to customers. On October 11, 1999, Boeing launched the BBJ2. Based on the 737-800, it is 19 ft 2 in (5.84 m) longer than the BBJ1, with 25% more cabin space and twice
2664-528: The 737NG to include a stall identification function. Originally inhibited in high alpha scenarios, STS operates at any speed on the 737NG. STS is triggered by airspeed sensor and commands Airplane Nose Down as the airplane slows down. The flight deck was upgraded with modern avionics, and passenger cabin improvements similar to those on the Boeing 777 , including more curved surfaces and larger overhead bins than previous-generation 737s. The Next Generation 737 interior
2736-503: The Boeing Converted Freighter design because the operational economics are attractive due to the low operating costs and availability of certified pilots on a robust airframe. Modifications to the 737-800 airframe include installing a large cargo door, a cargo handling system, and additional accommodations for non-flying crew or passengers. The aircraft is designed to fly up to 1,995 nmi (3,695 km; 2,296 mi) at
2808-474: The US in-service fleet of 1,930. By early November, 1,200 aircraft were inspected, with cracks on about 60 (5%). Cracks were discovered near fasteners outside the original area in four airplanes. On November 5, Boeing recommended expanding the checks to include them, to be mandated in a November 13 FAA AD . Aircraft below 30,000 cycles were to be reinspected within 1,000 cycles, within 60 days above. About one-quarter of
2880-445: The aircraft door sill height. This often results in a slope along the length of the loading bridge. Controls in older systems contain a large number of individual motor control buttons, with efficient operation requiring a high degree of operator skill and experience. Modern control consoles are much simpler, with only a few buttons, a graphic display console, and a single multi-axis joystick, with an overall appearance similar to that of
2952-505: The airport before switching to later model Boeing 737 jetliners. In 1986, Anchorage-based AirPac was operating jet service into the airport with a British Aerospace BAe 146-100 aircraft flying a round trip routing of Seattle - Sitka - Anchorage. Alaska Airlines operates Boeing 737-700 , 737-800 , and Boeing 737-900 jetliners while Delta Connection did fly the Canadair CRJ-700 regional jet operated by SkyWest, but starting with
Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport - Misplaced Pages Continue
3024-739: The airport is still unofficially called The Mausoleum. As per Federal Aviation Administration records, the airport had 68,197 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2008, 62,498 enplanements in 2009, and 64,536 in 2010. It is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2015-2019, which categorized it as a primary commercial service (nonhub) airport (more than 10,000 enplanements per year) based on 68,222 enplanements in 2012. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport resides at elevation of 26 feet (8 m) above mean sea level . It has one runway designated 11/29 with an asphalt surface measuring 7,200 by 150 feet (2,195 x 46 m). For
3096-500: The airport. Due to these hazards, the airport is listed by airfarewatchdog.com as one of the ten most thrilling landing experiences in the world. Alaska Airlines has served Sitka for over 50 years. In 1967, Alaska Air was operating Boeing 727-100 jet service into the airport on a round trip routing of Seattle - Sitka - Anchorage - Unalakleet - Nome - Kotzebue and was also flying Convair 240 propliner service nonstop to Juneau . By 1969, Alaska Air had added several stops on
3168-481: The bridge is not retracted fully before departure, it may contact protruding parts of the taxiing aircraft (e.g., a pitot tube ), requiring repair and delays. Furthermore, during cold weather, the loading bridge may become frozen to the aircraft. In this case, when the jet bridge retracts, it could damage the aircraft if that area has not been properly de-iced. When regional jets are used, jet bridges have another disadvantage, since they allow only one aircraft to park at
3240-409: The delivery on May 15, 2001. The type proved unpopular, with only 52 delivered, before being replaced by the improved 737-900ER. The 737-900ER (Extended Range), which was called the 737-900X before launch, was the final and largest variant of the Boeing 737 NG line. It was introduced to fill the range and passenger capacity gap in Boeing's product offerings after the 757-200 was discontinued, address
3312-676: The disembarking process in bad weather. At the airport terminal, the bridge is connected to a portal (called a " gate ") in the terminal wall behind the gate desk. Once airplane boarding starts, passengers hand their boarding passes to the gate's attendant, who lets them pass through. Inside, the bridge looks like a narrow, lighted hallway, without doors. Loading bridges usually have no windows, but glass walls are becoming more common. The walls are normally painted in accordance with airline standards, generally with relaxing colours. Some bridges have advertisements on interior or exterior walls. The floors of retractable bridges are generally uneven, creating
3384-469: The factory for test flights on Day 10. Boeing stopped assembling passenger 737NGs in 2019. The last aircraft assembled was a 737-800 registered PH-BCL delivered to KLM in December 2019; the last two deliveries were to China Eastern Airlines on January 5, 2020. Production of the P-8 Poseidon variant continues. The FAA has proposed a fine of approximately $ 3.9 million for Boeing's alleged installation of
3456-502: The final deliveries in January 2020. The 737NG is superseded by the fourth generation 737 MAX , introduced in 2017. When regular Boeing customer United Airlines bought the more technologically advanced Airbus A320 with fly-by-wire controls, this prompted Boeing to update the slower, shorter-range 737 Classic variants into the more efficient, longer New Generation variants. In 1991, Boeing initiated development of an updated series of aircraft. After working with potential customers,
3528-556: The fuselage. A total of 505 -900ERs were delivered. In the late 1980s, Boeing marketed the Boeing 77-33 jet, a business jet version of the 737-300. The name was short-lived. After the introduction of the next generation series, Boeing introduced the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The BBJ (retroactively referred to as the BBJ1) was similar in dimensions to the 737-700 but had additional features, including stronger wings and landing gear from
3600-851: The gate at a time. Several airlines have removed jet bridges at regional jet gates at airports such as Atlanta which are short on gates. When having passengers disembark on the ramp or apron, airlines can fit two or more regional jets per gate. In many other places like Beijing Capital Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport , a gate for large aircraft can be used to accommodate two smaller aircraft like Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s . Several incidents of jet bridges collapsing include Sydney, Hong Kong, Seattle, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Islamabad. Airports frequently charge increased fees for using loading bridges on stands as opposed to mobile stairs, therefore low-cost airlines such as Ryanair have avoided using these wherever possible. Jet bridges are occasionally used at smaller, single-story airports. This
3672-677: The global NG fleet of 6,300 aircraft were to be inspected. Following the contained engine failure of the Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 on April 17, 2018, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended on November 19, 2019, to redesign and retrofit its nacelle for the 6,800 airplanes in service. Boeing was to increase 737 production from 31.5 units per month in September 2010 to 35 in January 2012 and to 38 units per month in 2013. Production rate
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#17332026927843744-421: The ground because of the defective structural components that were the subject of the 2005 lawsuit. However, the accident investigations in all three cases did not highlight any link between post-impact structural failures and manufacturing issues. During an inspection of a 737NG in 2019 that had 35,000 flights, fatigue cracks were found on a fuselage-to-wing attachment known as a "pickle fork", designed to last
3816-544: The jet bridge. For example, Sawyer International Airport in Marquette, Michigan has jet bridges that can load passengers onto smaller passenger aircraft such as the Saab 340 turboprop. The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport has two gates using this approach. This can be done to attract larger airlines that require use of a jet bridge to the airport, as well as to make disembarking smaller planes easier for disabled people and to improve
3888-512: The middle and movable at either end to permit the terminal building-end to be raised or lowered to connect with either the departures level or the arrivals level of the terminal building. Loading bridges restrict aircraft parking to spots immediately adjacent to the terminal. Thus, airports use mobile staircases to facilitate disembarking at hardstands (remote parking positions) and have buses transporting passengers to terminals. Loading bridges may pose hazards to aircraft if handled improperly. If
3960-483: The military designation C-40 Clipper . Boeing launched the 737-700ER (Extended Range) on January 31, 2006, with All Nippon Airways as the launch customer. Inspired by the Boeing Business Jet , it features the fuselage of the 737-700 and the wings and landing gear of the 737-800. When outfitted with nine auxiliary fuel tanks, it can hold 10,707 US gallons (40,530 L; 8,915 imp gal) of fuel with
4032-457: The north terminal at Edmonton International Airport ) that sit directly on the ground, as opposed to supports. These jetways are often used by small airlines or airplanes that are sometimes too low for conventional jetways (such as the Dash 8 and CRJ ). The cab of the loading bridge is raised and lowered to dock with aircraft of differing sill heights. The height of the cab is matched to the height of
4104-422: The pivoting bins, thus allowing a 737-800 to hold 174 carry-on bags . Boeing also offered it as a retrofit for older 737NG aircraft. The 737-600 was launched by SAS in March 1995, with the first aircraft delivered in September 1998. A total of 69 have been produced, with the last aircraft delivered to WestJet in 2006. Boeing displayed the 737-600 in its price list until August 2012. The 737-600 replaces
4176-471: The plant on Day 1. Electrical wiring is installed on Day 2 and hydraulic machinery on Day 3. On Day 4 the fuselage is crane-lifted and rotated 90 degrees, wings are mated to the airplane in a six-hour process, along with landing gear , and the airplane is again rotated 90 degrees. The final assembly process begins on Day 6 with the installation of airline seats , galleys , lavatories , overhead bins , etc. Engines are attached on Day 8 and it rolls out of
4248-415: The rights to jetways across major localities in 81 countries and territories. Boeing 737-900 The Boeing 737 Next Generation , commonly abbreviated as 737NG , or 737 Next Gen , is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes . Launched in 1993 as the third generation derivative of the Boeing 737 , it has been produced since 1997. The 737NG is an upgrade of
4320-425: The route between Seattle and Alaska, and was operating a Boeing 727-100 jetliner on a round trip routing of Seattle - Sitka - Juneau - Yakutat - Cordova - Anchorage - Unalakleet - Nome - Kotzebue in addition to operating Convair 240 service on a round trip routing of Annette Island Airport - Wrangell - Petersburg - Sitka - Juneau. Over the years, Alaska Air also operated Boeing 727-200 and 737-200 jets into
4392-606: The same faulty components of the 737 MAX on some 133 737 NGs. From 2006, Boeing discussed replacing the 737 with a "clean sheet" design (internally named " Boeing Y1 ") that could follow the Boeing 787 Dreamliner . A decision on this replacement was postponed, and delayed into 2011. In 2011, Boeing launched the 737 MAX, an updated and re-engined version of the 737NG with more efficient CFM International LEAP -1B engines, and aerodynamic changes with distinctive split-tip winglets . The first 737 MAX performed its first flight in January 2016. The fourth generation 737 MAX supersedes
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#17332026927844464-471: The shortcomings of the 737-900, and to directly compete with the Airbus A321 . Up to two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold and standard winglets improved the range of the stretched jet to that of other 737NG variants, while an additional pair of exit doors and a flat rear pressure bulkhead increased maximum seating capacity to 220 passengers. Airlines may deactivate (plug) the additional exit doors if
4536-480: The third generation 737NG. Split Scimitar winglets became available in 2014 for the 737-800, 737-900ER, BBJ2 and BBJ3, and in 2015 for the 737-700, 737-900 and BBJ1. These resemble the 737 MAX's split winglet, though they are not identical. Split Scimitar winglets were developed by Aviation Partners , the same Seattle-based corporation that developed the blended winglets; the Split Scimitar winglets produce up to
4608-450: The total configured capacity of the plane is 189 passengers or less. The first 737-900ER was rolled out of the Renton, Washington , factory on August 8, 2006, for its launch customer, Lion Air , an Indonesian low-cost airline . The airline received this aircraft on April 27, 2007, in a special dual paint scheme combining Lion Air's logo on the vertical stabilizer and Boeing's livery colors on
4680-468: The world, particularly smaller airports and terminals supporting low cost carriers . United Airlines tested an early prototype "Air Dock" in 1954. The first operational "Aero-Gangplank", as it was dubbed by inventor Lockheed Air Terminal , was installed by United at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in 1958. Jet bridges provide all-weather dry access to aircraft and enhance the security of terminal operations. They are often permanently attached at one end by
4752-502: The −600 series, is identical in size to the −500, launching in December 1997 with an initial flight occurring January 22, 1998; it was granted FAA certification on August 18, 1998. The flight test program used 10 aircraft: 3 -600s, 4 -700s, and 3 -800s. In 2004, Boeing offered a Short Field Performance package in response to the needs of Gol Transportes Aéreos , which frequently operates from restricted airports. The enhancements improve takeoff and landing performance. The optional package
4824-449: The −900 retains the same exit configuration of the -800, seating capacity is limited to 189, although aircraft equipped with a typical 2-class layout will seat approximately 177. The 737-900 also retains the MTOW and fuel capacity of the −800, trading range for payload. Alaska Airlines launched the 737-900 in 1997, the 737-900 made its first flight on August 3, 2000, and Alaska Airlines accepted
4896-575: Was 42 units per month in 2014, and was planned to reach rates of 47 units per month in 2017 and 52 units per month in 2018. In 2016, the monthly production rate was targeted to reach 57 units per month in 2019, even to the factory limit of 63 units later. A single airplane was then produced in the Boeing Renton Factory in 10 days, less than half what it was a few years before. The empty fuselage from Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas , enters
4968-500: Was also adopted on the Boeing 757-300 . This improved on the previous interior of the Boeing 757-200 and the Boeing 737 Classic variants, the new interior became optional on the 757-200. In 2010, new interior options for the 737NG included the 787 -style Boeing Sky Interior. It introduced new pivoting overhead bins (a first for a Boeing narrow-body aircraft), new sidewalls, new passenger service units, and LED mood lighting. Boeing's newer "Space Bins" can carry 50 percent more than
5040-423: Was delivered to West Atlantic in April 2018. At the 2018 Farnborough Airshow , GECAS announced an agreement for 20 firm orders and 15 option orders for the 737-800BCF, raising the commitment to 50 aircraft. Total orders and commitments include 80 aircraft to over half a dozen customers. Since early 737NG aircraft become available on the market, they have been actively marketed to be converted to cargo planes via
5112-439: Was invented by Frank Der Yuen . Similar devices are used for astronauts to enter spacecraft , which are installed at the appropriate height of the launch tower. Before the introduction of jet bridges, passengers normally boarded an aircraft by walking along the ground-level ramp and climbing a set of movable stairs, or airstairs on aircraft so equipped. Mobile staircases or "ramp stairs" are employed at many airports around
5184-455: Was issued on October 3, 2019. Of the 500 first inspected aircraft, 5% (25) had cracks and were grounded; Boeing expected to repair the first aircraft three weeks after the issuance of the directive, serving as the template for the resulting Service bulletin . Of the 810 examined aircraft over 30,000 cycles, 38 had structural cracks (4.7%), leaving 1,911 737NGs over 22,600 cycles to be inspected within their next 1,000 cycles, i.e., nearly all of
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