SEATTLE, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered the 300th Next Generation 737-800 to Europe’s largest low-fare carrier, Ryanair. The airline will take delivery of a total of 37 of these aircraft during 2011 and is the world’s largest operator of the 737-800. Ryanair took delivery of its first 737-800, which seats 189 passengers, from Boeing in 1999.  

Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said, “We are proud to take delivery of our 300th brand new Boeing 737 aircraft. The total value of the Ryanair fleet is now over $18 billion. We are proud to operate the youngest, greenest and most fuel-efficient fleet of any major European airline. This aircraft will help us to grow to 78 million passengers this year as we continue to lower fares and guarantee no fuel surcharges, which is why so many passengers are switching to Ryanair – the world’s favorite airline.”

“The milestone delivery of this 737-800 to Ryanair is a tribute to the 737 and the strength and sustainability of Ryanair’s business model,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 offers an unbeatable combination of economics that will continue to give Ryanair a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets.  

Today’s operators fly 737s that are five percent more fuel-efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998, and another two percent improvement is on the way. Boeing’s performance improvement package, now being certified, will boost customers’ fuel efficiency a further two percent through aerodynamic and engine changes. Testing and certification will continue through April 2011. Boeing is phasing into production the performance improvement package, beginning in mid-2011 through early 2012.

Ryanair operates more than 1,400 flights per day from 44 bases and 1,100+ routes across 27 countries, connecting 160 destinations.  

In this video, see inside the Boeing factory in Renton, Wash., and hear more about how Boeing builds Ryanair’s 737-800: http://bit.ly/f49Zc0.

Source and photos: Boeing