Boeing and Ryanair mark delivery of 800th 737-800

Boeing and Ryanair yesterday celebrated the delivery of the 800th Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial jetliner ever produced.

Ryanair, one of Europe's largest low-cost carriers, received both the 800th and the 801st Next-Generation 737-800 this week. The airline's all-737 fleet now includes 57 Next-Generation 737 and 19 Classic 737 jetliners.

"The 737's reliability is a huge contributor to our ability to get passengers to their destinations on time and at the lowest possible fares," said Michael O'Leary, Ryanair chief executive. "There's not another airplane out there that can match it. We're talking about an airplane that has 189 seats, but requires less maintenance than others in its class and has greater fuel efficiency. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the 737's efficiency is a precious benefit."

Ryanair has another 98 737s on order, which are scheduled for delivery through 2008.