Ryanair Orders 75 More Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

In what seems like a vote of confidence, Ryanair has placed a firm order for 75 additional Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, increasing its order book to 210 jets.

Ryanair again selected the 737 8-200, a higher-capacity version of the 737-8, citing the airplane's additional seats and improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

The Ryanair order is the first major order since the airliner was grounded worldwide almost 20 months ago following two fatal crashes involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines.

Boeing did not disclose the value of the aircraft deal, but at the list price, the deal is valued at $7.5 billion dollars. However, airlines usually get discounts of up to 50%.

According to Ryanair’s Group CEO, Michael O'Leary, passengers will enjoy the new interiors, more generous legroom, lower fuel consumption, and quieter noise performance.

Ryanair is the launch customer for the high-capacity 737-8 variant, having placed its first order for 100 airplanes and 100 options in late 2014, followed by firm orders of 10 airplanes in 2017 and 25 in 2018.

The Boeing 737 8-200 will enable Ryanair to configure its aircraft with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential, and reduce fuel consumption by 16 percent compared to the airline's previous airplanes.