RyanAir to Purchase 45 Boeing 737-800 Jetliners
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group today announced that Ryanair, one of Europe's leading low-fares airlines, signed a purchase agreement for 45 Boeing 737-800s. The package includes 25 orders and 20 options.
"We chose the 737-800 because our operation requires the most durable, reliable and lowest-cost commercial airplane available," said Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary. "The 737 is the only jetliner proven to operate reliably with short turnaround times in a high-utilisation environment. This is pivotal to the success of our network."
"Ryanair already has 20 737-200s in service, and its experience with the aircraft's performance characteristics led to the decision to select the 737-800," said Tom Basacchi, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group vice president -- Europe/Russia. "This deal is also great news for our hard-working employees and our global network of 737 suppliers. We couldn't be more pleased."
The Next-Generation 737 is the most environmentally friendly jetliner in its class. The Next-Generation 737 family -- the 737-600/-700/-800/-900 models -- is designed to fly higher, faster, farther and quieter than previous 737 models and continues to be the fastest-selling jetliner model in history. The 737 family has captured nearly 4,000 orders -- more than the company's biggest rival has won for its entire product line.
The Next-Generation 737s build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century.
The 737-800 models are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a 50/50 joint company between General Electric of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The CFM56-7 has a 10-percent higher thrust capability than the CFM56-3C engines powering the classic 737-300/-400/-500 models.
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