Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, has announced that it is to purchase up to 300 new 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing. The agreement is the largest order ever placed by the Irish carrier and is divided into a firm order for 150 737-10 aircraft with options for a further 150 more.
Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 airplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-8-200 model has enabled the airline to reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to those aircraft which are being replaced. This new order will be adding the larger 737-10 variant, which offers Ryanair 228 seats and one of the best unit economics of any single-aisle airplane.
“Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX 10s with our aircraft partner Boeing. These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs,” said Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s Group CEO. “We expect half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300 million guests per annum by 2034. This order, coupled with our remaining Gamechanger deliveries, will create 10,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals over the next decade, and these jobs will be generated across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair is currently the No.1 or No.2 airline,” O’Leary said.
“The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals.”
