Ryanair receives last Boeing 737NG
As I write the 571st, and final, Boeing 737NG is on its way to Dublin on delivery from The Boeing Company in Seattle. EI-GXN, using the callsign RYR800N, is due to arrive in Dublin shortly before 1800 local time this evening. This will bring the total fleet to 441 aircraft, 440 737-800’s and one 737-700 (EI-SEV).
EI-GXN, the final Boeing 737-800 for Ryanair, on its way to Dublin this evening.
Ryanair’s history with the 737 stretches back 24 years to 1994 when it took delivery of its first -200, EI-CJC which was delivered in January of that year. This was famously painted in the distinctive Hertz yellow colour scheme and was affectionately known at the flying banana. The company went on to operate 21 of the type, a mix of -204’s, -230’s and a -2T5 variant. The last -200, EI-CNW departed Dublin for the last time on 23rd December 2005 using the callsign “Ryanair 2005”. After take-off the aircraft did a pass along the runway and “waved” its wings in a farewell motion before heading for Prestwick before it was handed over to its new owners.
EI-CJC, the first Boeing 737 operated by Ryanair. Mark Dwyer.
Following the floatation of the company in 1997, on 9th March 1998 Ryanair placed an order for 45 (25 firm and 20 options) brand new Boeing 737-800 series aircraft with a value of over $2bn. The first one, EI-CSA, was delivered on the 19th March 1999. It left the Ryanair fleet in October 2007 and continues to fly to this day for AnadoluJet as TC-SBJ. A further order for 155 aircraft was made in 2001 and subsequent orders went on to make Ryanair the biggest 737-800 operator in the world. It was, and still is the second biggest 737 operator in the world behind Southwest who operate a mixed fleet of -700 and -800 variants. The delivery of the last 737NG to Ryanair marks the end of an era for the company but the beginning of a new one.
In Q2 2019, Ryanair will receive its first new Boeing 737-8200 MAX, a new variant of the MAX developed specifically for Ryanair. The first aircraft, currently carrying test registration N1786B has been built and is currently having its interior fitted at the Boeing factory. As a new variant, it will have to go through certification by the FAA and EASA in early 2019.
Ryanair’s first Boeing 737-8200 MAX showing the new Advanced Technology Winglets and the redesigned tailcone.
The main difference when compared to the standard 737-8 MAX is the addition of Mid Exit Doors just aft of the wing which are similar to the type fitted to the 737-900ER. The extra seat capacity is achieved by moving the aft lavatories into the tail section. Most of the efficiencies are gained from the CFM LEAP1B geared turbofan engines. These engines have a bigger fan and an exhaust cowling similar to the Dreamliner to reduce its noise footprint. The bigger fan reduces the ground clearance so the landing gear stands taller to accommodate this. Efficiencies are also gained from the Advanced Technology Winglets that sweep up as well as down and the APU and tailcone have also been redesigned.
About the Author
Mark Dwyer Mark is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 737 for a major European airline. In addition he is also a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Base Training Captain on the B737. Outside of commercial flying Mark enjoys flying light aircraft from the smallest 3 Axis microlights up to heavier singles. He is also an instructor and EASA Examiner on single engines and a UK CAA Examiner. He flies the Chipmunk for the Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF). Mark became the Chairman of the National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI) in 2013 and has overseen a massive growth in the organisation. In this role he has worked at local and national levels. In 2015, Mark won ‘Upcoming Aviation Professional Award’ at the Aviation Industry Awards sponsored by the IAA. Mark launched this website back in 2002 while always managing the website, he has also been Editor and Deputy Editor of FlyingInIreland Magazine from 2005 to 2015.
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