Boeing

Boeing [NYSE:BA] today confirmed it has reached agreement with Ryanair for the airline's purchase of 70 additional Boeing 737-800 airplanes, with options for up to 70 more airplanes, in one of the largest orders for the Next-Generation 737. The value of the agreement for the 70 firm airplanes is 4.6 billion USD at list prices. The total value of the deal if all options are exercised is $9.2 billion. The agreement is subject to the approval of Ryanair shareholders this Spring.

"The Next-Generation 737 has played a big role in Ryanair's leadership in the low-cost carrier market, and we are thrilled that Ryanair and Boeing will continue this wonderful partnership for many years to come," said Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most efficient aircraft in its class. Ryanair -- and its passengers -- are getting the benefits from what we have designed and built into the most popular airplane in the world.

"The timing of this order also is significant. It secures Ryanair's ability to lead growth in the low cost segment and demonstrates the airline's market insight into the recovery taking place in our industry," said Mulally.

Ryanair is Boeing's largest customer outside the U.S. for the Next-Generation 737. It now has 73 Next-Generation 737-800s with an additional 152 on order, excluding options, after today's announcement. Ryanair ordered its first 737-800 in March 1998 and received its first aircraft in 1999.