Ryanair to design low-cost version of 737
Ryanair is to assist the Chinese in designing a low-cost jet to rival the Boeing 737, the workhorse of its shorthaul fleet.
The budget airline announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Commercial Air Corporation (COMAC) of China to build an aircraft to carry 200 passengers, 11 more than the 737.
Ryanair said it was 'seriously interested' in the development of the C919, which should be available from 2018 onwards. The airline said it was discussing an order of 'at least 200 aircraft', but the agreement with COMAC does not committee Ryanair to buy any aircraft and some are seeing today's announcement as a way for the low-cost carrier to squeeze a better deal out of Boeing, with whom it is also in negotiations for new aircraft.
In a statement released at the Paris Air Show, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said: " “Ryanair can become a two aircraft operator carrier, as long as the economies achieved by our current Boeing 737-800 fleet can be matched or lowered by a similar sized order from a different manufacturer.
"While today’s announcement won’t affect our long standing relationship with Boeing, we look forward to working closely with COMAC to promote more competition among aircraft manufacturers, which can only be good for promoting competition between airlines and lowering the cost of air travel for consumers all across Europe towards the end of the decade."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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