Europe’s leading lowcost carrier Ryanair has committed its future to the 737 MAX with an order for 300 aircraft.

The order is the biggest in the Dublin-based airline’s history and includes a firm order for 150 737-10 jets and options for 150 more.

Chief executive Micheal O’Leary said: “These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs.

“We expect half of this order will replace older NGs while the remaining 150 aircraft will facilitate controlled, sustainable growth to just over 300 million guests per annum by 2034.

“This order, coupled with our remaining Gamechanger deliveries, will create 10,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals over the next decade, and these jobs will be generated across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair is currently the number one or number two airline.

“In addition to delivering significant revenue and market growth opportunities across Europe, we expect these new larger more efficient aircraft to drive further unit cost savings, which will be passed on to passengers in lower air fares.

“The extra seats, lower fuel burn and more competitive aircraft pricing supported by our strong balance sheet, will widen the cost gap between Ryanair and competitor EU airlines for many years to come, making the Boeing MAX 10 the ideal growth aircraft order for Ryanair, our passengers, our people and our shareholders.”

Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 airplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand.

The 197-seat 737-8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the aircraft they are replacing.

The new order adds the larger 737-10 variant, which offers Ryanair 228 seats and the best unit economics of any single-aisle airplane.

Boeing president and chief executive Dave Calhoun said: “The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people.

“Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals.”