Tag Archives: EI-HEN

The first Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (200) finally departs from Seattle

Ryanair has taken delivery of its first (delayed) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (200). The 197-seat high-density aircraft (the pictured EI-HEN, top) departed from Boeing Field this morning shortly after 1 am local time. It is expected to arrive later today in Dublin.

Ryanair on June 16 issued this statement:

Ryanair on June 16 took delivery of its first Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger” aircraft in Seattle, Washington. The aircraft flew overnight from Seattle and will land in Dublin Airport later this afternoon. This is the first delivery of Ryanair’s 210 firm order of these revolutionary “Gamechanger” aircraft, which is an investment in new technology, valued at over $22 billion. These new aircraft will carry 4% more passengers but reduce fuel consumption by 16% per seat, lower noise emissions by 40% and lower CO2 emissions by a similar amount.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:

“We are delighted to take delivery of our first new technology Gamechanger aircraft. These new Boeing 737 aircraft will help Ryanair lower costs, cut fuel consumption and lower noise and CO2 emissions as we invest heavily in new technology to deepen our environmental commitment as Europe’s greenest, cleanest major airline. Each 737 aircraft offers 197 seats (compared to our 189-seat current 737 fleet). However, our customers will enjoy more leg room, new Boeing “Sky Interiors” and lower fares, while reducing their environmental footprint by switching to these new aircraft.

Due to regrettable delivery delays, we expect to take delivery of just 12 of these aircraft during Summer 2021, with 6 delivering in Ryanair colors and 6 in Malta Air colors.

Ryanair expects to take delivery of an additional 50 of these 737 “Gamechanger” aircraft before Summer 2022, which will enable the Ryanair Group to rebound strongly, offering new routes, lower fares, and rapid traffic recovery to many partner airports across Europe as the tourism industry rebuilds from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020/2021”.

Top Copyright Photo: Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (200) EI-HEN (msn 62301) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 953050.

Ryanair aircraft slide show:

Ryanair welcomes EU Court ruling on Condor state aid

Ryanair today welcomed the EU General Court’s annulment of the European Commission’s approval of State aid by Germany to Condor. In April 2020, the German government granted a €550m loan to Condor, which had already benefited from a €380m rescue loan from Germany in 2019 following the bankruptcy of its parent company, Thomas Cook.

While the Covid-19 crisis has caused damage to all airlines that contribute to the economy and the connectivity of Germany, the German government decided to support only its inefficient “national” airlines, including Condor.

Ryanair referred the European Commission’s approval of this €550m illegal subsidy to Condor to the EU General Court in 2020.

A Ryanair spokesperson said:

“The German government aid to Condor – both in 2019 and 2020 – went against the fundamental principles of EU law and has distorted the market to the detriment of consumers. Today’s ruling is an important victory for consumers and competition.

During the Covid-19 pandemic over €30 billion in discriminatory State subsidies has been gifted to EU flag carriers. Unless halted by the EU Courts in line with today’s ruling, the effects of market distortion caused by this State aid will be felt for decades. If Europe is to emerge from this crisis with a functioning single market, the European Commission must stand up to national governments and stop rubber stamping discriminatory State aid to inefficient national airlines.”

Top Copyright Photo: Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (200) EI-HEN (msn 62301) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 953050.

Ryanair aircraft slide show: