Dublin-based Ryanair recently celebrated the delivery of its 450th Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft. This significant milestone has been reached in less than two decades, with the Irish low-cost carrier acquiring 25 737-800s per year (on average) since 1999.

Chief operations officer Mick Hickey said: “Ryanair is proud to partner with Boeing and has operated an all-Boeing fleet since 1994. Our current order of 737-800s and the 737-MAX 200 Gamechanger will allow us to grow our fleet to 585 aircraft and our passenger numbers to 200 million per annum by 2024.”

Monty Oliver, vice-president (European sales) for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “Ryanair has consistently demonstrated the outstanding economic, reliability and safety capabilities of the Next-Generation 737-800, using this airplane as its foundation to become one of the biggest airlines in the world.

To deliver the 450th 737-800 is truly a significant milestone in both companies’ shared history, and we look forward to supporting Ryanair on the next phase of its incredible journey, with the introduction of the 737 MAX 200.”