Ryanair invests $1.9 billion in new aircraft

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, has announced the purchase of 27 more Boeing 737-800s valued at $1.9bn. This brings Ryanair’s total firm orders for B737-800s to 308 and total fleet size (including planned disposals) to 262 by 2012.

Ryanair operates one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets of any major airline (137 Boeing 737-800s) with an average aircraft age of just 2.5 years. All of these new aircraft will be fitted with Boeing blended winglets which will further reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions, strengthening Ryanair’s position as Europe’s cheapest, greenest and cleanest airline.

Ryanair’s CFO and Deputy Chief Executive, Howard Millar said:

“Ryanair guarantees passengers that they will not find a cheaper fare with any other airline on any of its 487 routes. The combination of the lowest per seat operating cost and the reliability of these Boeing 737 800s will benefit millions of additional passengers in the coming 5 years as we extend our route network and our guaranteed lowest fares.

“To celebrate we are slashing £20 off all return fares. These guaranteed lowest fares are available for one week only and we urge passengers to book today on Ryanair.com”.

Marlin Dailey, Boeing’s VP of Sales Europe Russia and Central Asia said:

“The 737-800 continues to demonstrate its exceptional suitability for the low-fare business model. It consistently generates more revenue and more profit through industry-leading reliability and higher utilization. Boeing values Ryanair’s continued endorsement of the Next-Generation 737”.