Industry Ryanair orders 25 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8

Ryanair has decided to increase the existing order for the new Boeing 737 MAX generation once again. The new deal is valued around $3 billion at list prices.

"We are pleased to announce the exercise of 25 Boeing 737 "Gamechanger" options, bringing our firm order to 135 737 MAX 8s," said Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, Ryanair. "The Gamechanger has eight more seats than our current 189-seat Boeing 737-800NG and incorporates the latest technology engines and winglets which reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions, ensuring we remain Europe's greenest, cleanest airline and lowest cost airline."

Ryanair launched the high-capacity 737 MAX 8 in late 2014 with an order for 100 airplanes, followed by an additional order for 10 airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The airplane will provide Ryanair with 197 seats. The updated version of the Boeing 737 should offer up to 14 percent lower fuel consumption than today's Next-Generation 737s. Ryanair’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 version is officially called Boeing 737 MAX 200 named for seating up to 200 passengers in a single-class high density configuration with special seats and an extra door. Additionally, some galley trolleys are removed to accommodate more passengers in the cabin.

The Dublin-based low-cost carrier is the largest 737-800 customer in the world and the largest Boeing operator in Europe. Last month, Ryanair took delivery of its 500th Next-Generation 737-800 and has now ordered more than 650 Boeing airplanes.