Stretching for Tourists.

As Europe shows signs of climbing out of its airline recession, Boeing Co. is renewing its long-planned effort for the 737-900 program with a derivative that's likely to find its first customers among European charter carriers. Called the-900X, the program increases the aircraft's passenger count from 189 in a two-class layout to 204, or even 210 if a new style of flat rear bulkhead is employed. In the five years since the revamp of the venerable 737, Boeing has accumulated 2,171 total orders. Production development studies have shown that the -900X will require a two-position skid, with the second one extending 5 in. from the first during rotation as a sacrificial surface, said Kenneth S. Hiebert, Boeing's regional director for product marketing.