Ryanair agrees to buy 200 Boeing planes

With the announcement that it is to buy 200 new Boeing aircraft at a cost of $200bn (€155bn), Ryanair yesterday signalled its intent to strengthen its grip on low-cost air travel in Europe and almost double its size over the next 10 years.

The carrier yesterday committed to the purchase of 100 Boeing 737 MAX 200 aircraft, with the option of a further 100, which Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said he “confidently expects” to take up.

The new Boeing aircraft can accommodate up to 200 seats depending on configuration, with Ryanair planning to fit 197.