Ryanair Selects More Boeing Next-Generation 737s

The Boeing Company today confirmed an order for three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes from Ryanair, Europe's largest low- fare airline. Ryanair currently operates 31 737s and will use the additional airplanes to expand its European network and maintain a strong rate of growth. The three new airplanes will deliver in May, June and July 2002; and will bring Ryanair's fleet to 44 737s at that time.

"The Boeing 737 airplane is a great fit for our route expansion plans," said Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive. "The Next-Generation 737 is the most modern airplane available in its class and provides unbeatable comfort, reliability and cost efficiency for our seven million passengers."

Ryanair flies nearly six million people per year on 45 routes covering Ireland, France, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the U.K. In 2000, the carrier added 10 new destinations from London (Stansted) to Hamburg, Germany and Malmo, Sweden; from London to Alghero (Sardina), Lamezzia (Sicily), Brescia (Verona) in Italy; from London to Nimes (Marseilles) and Perpignan in France; and from Shannon to London (Stansted) and Frankfurt.

"Boeing is very pleased to be a part of the growth plan for Ryanair," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "The 737-800 provides great reliability, excellent comfort, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. All in all, it adds better value for our customers."

The Next-Generation 737 models build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. These improvements include a new and larger wing, higher cruise speed, more range, and new engines with improvements in noise, fuel burn and thrust.

The Next-Generation 737-800 is a high-gross-weight model that can fly nearly 4,000 nautical miles (7400 km.).