Ryanair signs largest ever order for Boeing’s largest 737 MAX

Millions of travelers will fly with Ryanair on Boeing 737 MAX 10 planes in the decades ahead. The two companies (finally) confirmed a massive order for the new planes – 150 firm and another 150 options – with deliveries stretching through 2033.

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.

– Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s Group CEO

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Assuming all 300 are delivered this order would result in more than 1,000 total aircraft directly ordered by Ryanair from Boeing over the past 25 years. This companies also confirm this is the largest order in Ryanair’s history.

Ryanair expects to configure the MAX 10 with 228 seats on board. The carrier flies its growing 737-8-200 fleet with 197 seats.

The increased seating capacity helps to improve unit economics, with 15% more seats against minimal increased trip costs. It also allows the company to increase capacity in congested airspace and particularly in markets where airport slots are limited.

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But the increase in passengers also creates challenges. Squeezing that many more people into limited gate hold areas at airports is unlikely to be a pleasant experience. And the carrier will also face pressures on its aggressive turn times.

O'Leary on turning the 737-10 in 25 minutes:

“We’ll have trainings with our customers for the next 10 years on how to move faster.”

😆😆

— Edward Russell (@ByERussell) May 9, 2023

Cute quips aside, at some point the airline and airport will not be able to move that many people that quickly.

Deliveries of the new aircraft to Ryanair are expected to begin in 2027 and stretch through 2033. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun expects certification of the MAX 10 to be secured in 2024.