3rd Dec 2020 15:15
(Alliance News) - Ryanair Holdings PLC on Thursday said it has ordered 75 extra Boeing Co MAX-8200 aircrafts, in the wake of the planes being approved by US regulators to take to the skies once again.
The agreement takes the number of MAX-8200 aircraft in the Irish carrier's fleet to 210, with a total value of over USD22 billion.
"Now that the Boeing MAX aircraft has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration to return to service, Ryanair expects to take the first deliveries of these new fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft from early 2021, and has confirmed 210 firm orders with Boeing for these game-changer aircraft, which will be delivered over a four-year period between Spring 2021 and December 2024," Ryanair said.
"Ryanair, which (prior to the Covid-19 crisis) was on track to carry over 150 million passengers last year, will use these new aircraft to grow its low fare services into new EU countries and markets, which will incentivize Europe's consumers and its travel industry to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, as quickly as multiple vaccines are rolled out in 2021, and life returns to normal."
The 197-seater planes are "the perfect sized platform" for Ryanair, which is looking to expand its low-cost offering in Europe over the next 10 years.
"This new Boeing order helps Ryanair to lower its cost base and return to growth across Europe in 2021," the company added.
Boeing's best-selling aircraft was grounded worldwide early last year following two fatal crashes that killed 346 passengers. It has since faced lengthy tests and stringent approval procedures with aviation regulators worldwide. In November, US safety regulators cleared the 737 Max to fly once more.
In London on Thursday afternoon, Ryanair shares were marginally lower at EUR15.82. Boeing shares were up 4.3% at USD233.50 each in New York on Thursday morning.
By Eric Cunha; [email protected]
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