Budget airline Ryanair has confirmed a US$15.6 billion order for 175 current-generation 737-800s in what is the largest order received by Boeing from a European operator
The new aircraft will allow Ryanair to continue its network expansion, boosting its fleet from 300 737-800s to 400 and see the retirement of 75 older aircraft in the coming years. The additional capacity stands to generate a 25 per cent increase in passenger numbers for the airline.
Ryanair is reportedly studying the 737 MAX and has said it could place an order for the aircraft if it can strike as good a deal as it did with the current generation 737s just ordered.
