Ryanair to Purchase 75 More Boeing 737 Max Jets

A Ryanair Boeing 737-8 that went into service in 1985

Ryanair said Thursday that it would buy 75 additional Boeing 737 Max jets.

The action is by far the largest order for the beleaguered aircraft since it was grounded after two hull losses almost two years ago.

The order is valued at $7 billion at list price although the actual estimated value of the order is approximately $3 billion.

The low-cost carrier and Boeing announced the purchase within weeks of getting a green light for the aircraft to return to the skies by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

The low-cost carrier specified the 737 8-200, a higher capacity version of the 737-8.  Also known as the 737 Max 200, the aircraft can seat up to 200 passengers in a single-class high-density configuration using slimline seats.  An extra set of exit doors is required due to the higher capacity.

Ryanair’s first 737 Max had been due to enter service in April 2019, but that was delayed due to the grounding.  That aircraft seats 197 passengers in a single-class configuration.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)