OREANDA-NEWS. Boeing and Ryanair have finalized an order for 100 737 MAX 200s, valued at \$11 billion at current list prices. The order, originally announced as a commitment in September, includes options for 100 additional 737 MAX 200 airplanes, and makes the Irish low-cost carrier the launch customer for the newest member of the 737 MAX family of airplanes.

"Ryanair is proud and honored to become the lead operator of Boeing's 'gamechanger' 737 MAX 200 aircraft, which will expand our fleet to approximately 520 aircraft by 2024 and create another 10,000 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in Europe, while allowing us to grow traffic from 82 million passengers last year to over 150 million by 2024," said Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary.

"These new 'gamechanger' aircraft will allow Ryanair to lower our costs and airfares, while improving our customer experience with more leg room and the Boeing Sky Interior, as we roll out new offers, particularly for our Business Plus and Family Extra customers. As many of Europe's flag carriers cut capacity on short haul routes, Ryanair looks forward to using these new 737 MAX 200 aircraft to grow at many more of Europe's primary airports," said O'Leary.

The 737 MAX 200, a variant based on the successful 737 MAX 8, can accommodate up to 200 seats, increasing revenue potential and providing customers up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than today's most efficient single-aisle airplanes.

"The 737 MAX 200 will be a excellent addition to Ryanair's all-Boeing fleet, providing the additional capacity, improved economics and high-levels of reliability that are required for its continued expansion," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our long-term partnership with Ryanair is a source of immense pride within Boeing and we are delighted to have the airline as the launch customer for the 737 MAX 200."

Boeing developed the 737 MAX 200 in response to the needs of the fast growing low-cost sector, which is forecasted to account for 35 percent of single-aisle airline capacity by 2033. While the heart of the single-aisle market will remain at 160 seats, the 737 MAX 200 will provide carriers like Ryanair with up to 11 more seats of potential revenue and up to 5 percent lower operating costs than the 737 MAX 8, driving economic growth and increasing access to air travel.

Standard across the 737 MAX family, Ryanair's 737 MAX 200s will be configured with the passenger inspired Boeing Sky Interior, featuring modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. With this order, more than 50 customers have ordered more than 2,550 737 MAXs.

Headquartered in Ireland's capital city, Ryanair operates more than 1,600 flights daily from 71 bases, connecting 183 destinations in 30 countries. Currently operating 300 Next-Generation 737-800s, Ryanair took delivery of its first 737 in 1994, and now operates the largest fleet of Boeing airplanes in Europe. With a team of more than 9,700 highly skilled professionals, the airline is expected to fly more than 89 million passengers this year.