Ryanair anticipates delivery of 29 new Boeing 737 aircraft worth $3bn in 2025.
The introduction of the new aircraft is projected to generate over 2,000 new jobs for aviation professionals across Europe.
The new aircraft are designed to improve efficiency, cutting CO2 emissions by 16pc and noise levels by 40pc, while accommodating more passengers.
Ryanair’s growth strategy focuses on low-cost airports in EU countries with supportive aviation policies, contrasting with countries imposing higher taxes. Ryanair’s 172nd aircraft, EI-IKN Boeing 737-8200 c/n 62383 was delivered at end October
In 2024, Ryanair took delivery of 49 Boeing 737-8200 aircraft, a figure that fell short of their initial expectations due to several production line challenges at Boeing. The major contributing factor to an already sluggish delivery schedule was the Boeing machinists’ strike, which lasted 53 days from September 13 to November 4. This prolonged disruption led to a delay in the resumption of 737 production until December 9, significantly affecting airline customers worldwide.
This would leave nine aircraft from their existing order for the 737-8200 series scheduled for delivery in 2026.
In total, the airline has placed orders for 210 737-8200s. Furthermore, Ryanair has a firm order for 150 Boeing 737-10s, along with options for an additional 150 aircraft. Although deliveries for this variant were initially planned for 2027, it is still awaiting FAA certification, which is anticipated by the end of 2024. As of mid-November 2024, the three Boeing 737-10 test aircraft had completed over 1,200 hours of test flying across approximately 500 flights.
In a written statement, Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan shared: “While most of Europe’s airlines remain capacity constrained, Ryanair is on track to take delivery of 29 new Boeing 737 aircraft in 2025. This additional capacity will enable Ryanair to grow our passengers from 200m in 2024 to 210m in 2025, and create 2,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals at many of Europe’s most efficient, low-cost airports, where Govts are stimulating sustainable aviation growth by abolishing aviation taxes and lowering airport fees.”
