Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) has signed an agreement with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for the purchase up to 200 new Boeing 737 MAX 200 aircraft constituting 100 firm orders and 100 options. When finalised and with all options exercised, the deal will be worth over USD22billion at current list prices.

The order means the Irish LCC is the launch customer for the type, a variant based on the B737 MAX 8 that will feature 197 seats (8 more than Ryanair’s existing 189-seater B737-800s) and new CFM LEAP-1B engines.

"These new “gamechanger” aircraft will allow Ryanair to lower our costs and airfares, while improving our customer experience with more leg room and the Boeing Sky Interior, as we roll out new offers, particularly for our Business Plus and Family Extra customers," CEO Michael O'leary said. "As many of Europe’s flag carriers cut capacity on short haul routes, Ryanair looks forward to using these new Boeing 737 MAX 200 aircraft to grow at many more of Europe’s primary airports."

Following approval by Ryanair’s shareholders at an EGM in late November, this order will become Boeing’s largest ever aircraft order from a European airline.