737 MAX 200

Boeing has unveiled a newest addition to its 737 MAX family of aircraft, the 737 MAX 200, which can accommodate up to 200 passengers.

The launch of 737 MAX 8-based variant comes with a commitment from Irish carrier Ryanair to buy 100 737 MAX 200 aeroplanes, valued at $11bn at current list prices, with options for an additional 100 airliners.

Boeing said that the 737 MAX 200 will provide up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to other single-aisle aircraft and up to 5% lower operating costs than the 737 MAX 8.

The 737 MAX 200 has been designed for the low-cost sector, which is estimated to account for 35% of single-aisle airline capacity by 2033.

"The new variant will play a significant role in enabling the airline to continue to expand its operations."

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: "Ryanair is proud and honored to become the lead operator of Boeing’s ‘gamechanger’ 737 MAX 200, which will expand our fleet to 520 aircraft by 2024 and create another 3,000 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in Europe, while allowing us to grow traffic from 82 million last year to over 150 million annually by 2024.

"These new ‘game-changer’ aircraft will allow Ryanair to lower our costs and airfares, while improving our customer experience with more leg room and the Boeing Sky Interior, as we roll out new offers, particularly for our Business Plus and Family Extra customers."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said: "The new variant will play a significant role in enabling the airline to continue to expand its operations, while providing passengers across Europe with outstanding value."

Ryanair’s 737 MAX 200s will be configured with Boeing Sky Interior, and feature modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals and LED lighting.

The company has received 2,239 orders for 737 MAX family aircraft to date from 46 customers across the world.

Image: A 737 MAX 200 in Boeing livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology