European low-cost carrier Ryanair placed an $11billion order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 200 planes yesterday, becoming the launch customer of the aircraft in the process.
The 737 MAX 200, is a variant based on the 737 MAX 8 that can accommodate up to 200 seats.
“Ryanair is proud and honored to become the lead operator of Boeing’s “gamechanger” 737 MAX 200, which will expand our fleet to 520 aircraft by 2024 and create another 3,000 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in Europe, while allowing us to grow traffic from 82 million last year to over 150 million annually by 2024,” said Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.
“These new ‘game-changer’ aircraft will allow Ryanair to lower our costs and airfares, while improving our customer experience with more leg room and the Boeing Sky Interior, as we roll out new offers, particularly for our Business Plus and Family Extra customers. As many of Europe’s flag carriers cut capacity on short haul routes, Ryanair looks forward to using these new Boeing 737 MAX 200s to grow at many more of Europe’s primary airports,” said O’Leary
In a released statement, Boeing said that as is standard across the 737 MAX family, Ryanair’s 737 MAX 200s would be configured with the passenger inspired Boeing Sky Interior “featuring modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.”
Ryanair has options to purchase another 100 737 MAX 200s.
“The 737 MAX 200 is the perfect fit for Ryanair, providing improved efficiencies, 20 percent lower emissions, increased revenues and a high level of passenger comfort,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.
“The new variant will play a significant role in enabling the airline to continue to expand its operations, while providing passengers across Europe with outstanding value.
