Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary today promised passengers more legroom and slimline seats as the airline ordered 100 of Boeing's new 737 Max 200 aircraft.
The budget carrier plans to configure each of the aircraft with 197 slimline seats with an average legroom of over 30 inches.
The deal, which also gives Ryanair the option to purchase a further 100 B737 Max 200s, is worth more than $22 billion at list prices.
How it will look: Ryanair's B737 Max 200
O'Leary said that savings made by the aircraft's 18 per cent reduced fuel consumption will be passed onto passengers.
He said: "Ryanair is proud and honoured to become the lead operator of Boeing's 'gamechanger' 737 Max 200, which will expand our fleet to 520 aircraft by 2024... while allowing us to grow traffic from 82 million last year to over 150 million annually by 2024.
"These new aircraft will allow Ryanair to lower our costs and air fares, while improving our customer experience with more legroom and the Boeing Sky Interior, as we roll out new offers, particularly for our Business Plus and Family Extra customers.
"As many of Europe's flag carriers cut capacity on short haul routes, Ryanair looks forward to using these new Boeing 737 Max 200s to grow at many more of Europe's primary airports."
The B737 Max 200 can accommodate up to 200 seats by incorporating a mid-exit door increasing the exit limit.
Boeing president and CEO Ray Conner said: "The 737 Max 200 is the perfect fit for Ryanair, providing improved efficiencies, [up to] 20 per cent lower emissions, increased revenues and a high level of passenger comfort."
Graham Smith
