Ryanair order to usher in a new era

Ryanair is to use its next big Boeing order to compete with the likes of Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways on routes from Ireland and Britain to the Gulf States and northern Africa.

The low-fares airline is also talking to Boeing about potential orders to service its longer-term transatlantic plans.

Last September, Ryanair signed a $22bn (€19.3bn) deal to buy 200 new Boeing 737 Max 200 jets, a deal described by the airline’s boss, Michael O’Leary, as being a “game-changing” aspect of its fleet enhancement plans. The first of those jets is due for delivery in 2019.