OREANDA-NEWS.  Ryanair, Europe’s favourite low fares airline, today (30 Apr) confirmed that it has agreed to buy 5 more 737-800 series aircraft directly from Boeing, 4 of which will be delivered in early Summer 2015, with the 5th in February 2016, in a deal which increases Ryanair’s order book from 175 to 180 new Boeing aircraft.  These 5 new aircraft brings the value of Ryanair’s order book to over USD 16 billion at current list prices.  Ryanair will now take 21 aircraft deliveries (up from 17) between September 2014 and July 2015, which will enable the airline to open more routes and additional frequencies on existing routes for Summer 2015.

 Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary, said:

 “We are delighted that our partners Boeing have identified 5 new aircraft slots (4 of them before the 2015 Summer peak), which allows Ryanair to increase our order book from 175 to 180 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft.  These new Boeing aircraft enable Ryanair to keep the fleet average age below 5 years, while providing our customers with unmatched punctuality, reliability and an improved customer experience. Now that we have 4 more aircraft (21 in total) for Summer 2015, Ryanair will offer more new routes and increased frequencies to more customers than ever before.”

 Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner, said:

 “Ryanair and Boeing share a relationship that spans 20 years. We are honoured that in that time Ryanair has become the largest 737-800 customer in the world – and with today’s announcement have a backlog of 180 airplanes on order. The 737-800 is recognized for its reliable operating performance and will provide Ryanair passengers with the flexibility they need for their low-cost travel.”