My crystal ball says these are not the last 737's AirTran is going to order. The really long range version (5500 nm) may be next.
Now, where could you go within 5500 nm of ATL?
The Boeing 737-700ER
The Boeing 737-700ER (Extended Range) is the newest version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. The derivative is a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ)-inspired airplane designed for long-range commercial applications. The 737-700ER has the longest range capability of any 737 family member in commercial service and allows airlines to profitably serve new nonstop, point-to-point routes. The 737-700ER was launched Jan. 31, 2006 with an order conversion from ANA (All Nippon Airways) for two airplanes.
The airplane's versatility, low operating costs and range performance can serve all new airline business requirements including low-cost carriers that wish to expand their market reach across the Atlantic Ocean and traditional carriers that wish to compete in niche markets such as all-premium-class service.
The 737-700ER has the same aerodynamic and structural changes as the successful Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The 737-700 fuselage has the bigger wing of a 737-800 and additional fuel capacity that allows it to fly up to 2,145 nautical miles farther than the 737-700.
The high-performance derivative comes with an option for up to nine auxiliary fuel tanks, giving it a maximum fuel capacity of 10,707 gallons (40,530 liters) and a maximum range of 5,510 nautical miles (10,200 km).
The 737-700ER provides the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to possible seating configurations. The twinjet can seat 48 passengers for premium service; or up to 126 passengers in a traditional two-class configuration.
The 737-700ER shares the same performance attributes of the other models of the Next-Generation 737 family (737-600, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900ER) such as reliability, lower maintenance costs, lower operating costs and state-of-the-art flight deck systems.
The 737-700 model is powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric Co. of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The engines meet strict international noise restrictions.