B737-900 Alaska N494A S New 2016 Livery Model
Boeing later introduced the 737-900, the longest variant to date. Because the 900 retains the same exit configuration of the 800, seating capacity is limited to 189 in a high-density 1-class layout, although the 2-class number is higher at approximately 177. Alaska Airlines launched the 737-900 in 1997 and accepted delivery on May 15, 2001. The 737-900 also retains the MTOW and fuel capacity of the 800, trading range for payload. These shortcomings until recently prevented the 737-900 from effectively competing with the Airbus A321.