Boeing launches 737 MAX 200 with Ryanair

NEW YORK CITY - The Boeing Company announced an $11 billion deal with Ryanair, the Irish discount carrier, for an order of 100 the newest 737 MAX 200 aircraft. Ryanair becomes the launch customer for the 737 MAX 200 aircraft, which can seat up to 200 passengers, Boeing said in a press release.

The 737 MAX 200 provides airlines up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than today's most efficient single-aisle airplanes, Boeing said.

Boeing developed the 737 MAX 200 in response to the needs of the fast growing low-cost sector, which is forecast to account for 35% of the single-aisle airline capacity by 2033, Boeing said.

"Ryanair is proud and honored to become the lead operator of Boeing's 'gamechanger' 737 200 MAX, which will expand our fleet to 520 aircraft by 2024 and create another 3,000 new jobs for pilots, cabin crews and engineers in Europe..."said Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary.