Boeing today celebrated the delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range) with the Boeing Sky Interior to United Continental Holdings, Inc. subsidiary Continental Airlines. The carrier is the first U.S. airline to operate the 737-800 and 737-900ER featuring the all-new interior.

Boeing also announced that Continental converted existing 2012 orders for Next-Generation 737s to 737-900ERs and will now be taking 19 737-900ERs in 2012.

“The 737-900ER is the perfect airplane to replace older, less efficient aircraft because it has one of the lowest fuel burns per mile in our narrowbody fleet, and provides a superior passenger experience,” said Ron Baur, vice president of Fleet at United. “With the new Boeing Sky Interior, our customers will appreciate the modern and spacious design which includes larger overhead bins that retract into the ceiling.”

The 737-900ER can carry 13 more passengers and has approximately the same range as the 737-800 in United Continental’s seating configuration. The additional airplanes will grow the United Continental family’s fleet to 52 737-900ERs, the second largest 737-900ER fleet in the world.

“United Continental Holdings’ investment in the 737-900ER validates the airplane’s compelling efficiency, range and capacity benefits,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our initiatives to continuously improve the Next-Generation 737’s performance, reliability and passenger experience are paying dividends for our customers.”

Today’s operators fly 737s that are 5 percent more fuel efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998 and additional improvements are on the way.

Additionally, the carrier’s new 737-900ERs and all subsequent 737 aircraft taken by the United Continental family will feature the 737 Boeing Sky Interior. With this new interior design, the airline will welcome travelers into a cabin featuring modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals. The design of the new, larger stow bins allows them to accommodate more bags than before.

Boeing press release