Boeing and Ryanair announced that Europe’s foremost low-cost carrier has selected the largest 737 MAX model to fuel its future expansion, placing an order for up to 300 aircraft. The largest purchase agreement in Ryanair’s history involves a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for an additional 150 jets.
Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 aircraft to expedite its post-pandemic recovery and meet robust demand for air travel. Compared to the aircraft they are replacing, the 197-seat 737-8-200 variant has helped the airline reduce fuel consumption and emissions by more than 20 percent. This new order comprises the larger 737-10 variant, which provides Ryanair with 228 seats and the greatest unit economics of any single-aisle aircraft.
“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,” stated Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair’s Group.
“We expect half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300m 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,” said O’Leary.
“In addition to delivering significant revenue and market growth opportunities across Europe, we expect these new larger more efficient aircraft to drive further unit cost savings, which will be passed on to passengers in lower air fares. The extra seats, lower fuel burn and more competitive aircraft pricing supported by our strong balance sheet, will widen the cost gap between Ryanair and competitor EU airlines for many years to come, making the Boeing MAX 10 the ideal growth aircraft order for Ryanair, our passengers, our people and our shareholders.”
“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. He added that nearly a quarter century after our companies’ first direct airplane acquisition, this historic agreement will strengthen our partnership. The airline is dedicated to delivering for Ryanair and assisting the airline group in achieving its objectives.
Once finalised, this new order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.
