The FAA awarded type certification to the Boeing 737-900ER (Extended Range) airliner, the company said this week. The 737 derivative incorporates an extra pair of exit doors to increase the maximum passenger capacity, a flat aft-pressure bulkhead to increase interior volume, a two-position tailskid for improved takeoff and landing capability, wing strengthening changes to accommodate the 13,500-pound maximum takeoff weight increase, enhancements to the leading and trailing edge flap systems for improved takeoff and landing capability, and optional blended winglets and auxiliary fuel tanks that increase range to 3,200 nautical miles. Boeing said airlines have ordered more than 100 Next-Generation 737-900ERs to date.