Ryanair Receives 10 Boeing Jets in 10 Days as Manufacturer Eyes Production Surge

Budget carrier’s rapid delivery schedule signals Boeing’s recovery from manufacturing constraints, with production rate expected to hit 48 aircraft monthly by spring 2026

The Irish budget carrier took delivery of 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over 10 consecutive days, marking one of the fastest delivery sequences in recent aviation history and reinforcing the airline’s position as one of Boeing’s most aggressive customers, according to Reuters.

Ryanair anticipates Boeing will increase its 737 production rate to 48 aircraft per month by April 2026, the airline said. The boost would enable Ryanair to accelerate fleet expansion plans that rely heavily on maintaining one of Europe’s youngest and most standardized aircraft fleets.

The rapid deliveries arrive as Boeing works to increase output following years of supply chain disruptions and regulatory scrutiny. For Ryanair, which has built its low-cost model around fleet efficiency, the new aircraft will support expansion into underserved secondary and regional airports across Europe.

Operations Ramped Up for Fleet Integration

The successive deliveries required substantial coordination across multiple departments. Ryanair’s operations teams needed to scale up crew training, spare parts inventories, maintenance scheduling and slot allocations to absorb 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft in quick succession without disrupting existing routes or ground services.

The delivery tempo sends a clear signal to competitors that Ryanair is preparing for aggressive network growth. If Boeing meets its April production target, Ryanair could accelerate its push into secondary markets where competitors have limited presence.

Boeing MAX Program Still Faces Certification Delays

Boeing’s 737 MAX family remains central to the manufacturer’s financial recovery. The aircraft serves as Boeing’s primary revenue generator, making production increases critical to clearing order backlogs and improving profitability.

However, the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants continue to await full certification from regulators. The MAX 10 has encountered design and landing gear scrutiny, pushing its entry into service back several years. Both variants have accumulated more than 1,000 combined orders.

Ryanair’s current fleet operates primarily on the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8-200, meaning the MAX 7 certification delays do not directly impact operations. But the airline holds 300 orders for the 737 MAX 10, making that variant’s regulatory approval critical to long-term fleet plans. Ryanair has placed only 210 orders for the 737 MAX 8-200, indicating the MAX 10 will eventually become the fleet’s backbone.

Airbus Consideration for Lauda Subsidiary

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary indicated in late September that the airline might expand its Airbus fleet alongside Boeing aircraft. Speaking to Reuters, O’Leary said the group currently operates 600 Boeing aircraft and 30 Airbus jets.

“I would like to see that grow in the next number of years to maybe 800 Boeings, but maybe 200 Airbuses,” O’Leary said.

Ryanair’s 26 Airbus A320-200 aircraft operate under the Lauda Europe brand, inherited from Lauda Air. The airline previously indicated it might standardize Lauda Europe on the 737 MAX to reduce costs and streamline operations across all subsidiaries.

The recent comments suggest Lauda might remain an all-Airbus operation. Converting to the 737 would require extensive retraining of Lauda staff, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Adding Airbus aircraft would avoid integration costs while expanding the business relationship with the European manufacturer.

Ryanair extended leases on its A320 fleet through 2028, signaling stronger commitment to the type than previously suggested. The airline’s other subsidiaries—Malta Air, Buzz and Ryanair UK—operate exclusively Boeing 737 variants including the 737-700, 737-800 and 737 MAX 8-200.