SAN FRANCISCO, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Boeing announced on Tuesday that Europe's leading low-cost airline Ryanair has ordered up to 300 737 MAX airplanes.
The purchase agreement is the biggest in Ryanair's history and includes a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for 150 more, the announcement said.
"Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX 10s with our aircraft partner Boeing. These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21 percent more seats, burn 20 percent less fuel and are 50 percent quieter than our B737-NGs," said Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's Group CEO.
The company expects half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300 million guests per annum by 2034, according to O'Leary.
"Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership," said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. ■