Ryanair has transformed air travel in Europe with its low-cost fares and extensive route network. The airline has ultimately revolutionized the aviation industry with its low-cost business approach and continues to thrive.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this game-changing low-cost airline. In no particular order, here are 25 interesting facts about Ryanair, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
Ryanair Facts
1. When was Ryanair founded?
Ryanair was established in 1984 by Tony Ryan, Christopher Ryan, and Liam Lonergan.
Tony Ryan, an Irish entrepreneur who amassed a fortune and became a billionaire, also had an interest in Tigerair (formerly Tiger Airways), which ceased operations and merged with Scoot in 2017. Tony Ryan passed away in 2007.
2. The airline is based in Ireland
Ryanair’s headquarters is based at Airside Business Park in Swords, Dublin, Ireland.
3. Ryanair adopted a low-cost business model in the 1990s
Influenced by Southwest Airlines’ low-cost approach in the United States, Ryanair adopted a low-cost business model in 1990.
The airline has been a low-cost carrier ever since.
4. The airline is the largest in Europe
In terms of passengers carried per year, fleet size, and destinations served, Ryanair is the largest airline in Europe.
Notably, over 181 million people flew with Ryanair in 2023.
5. Ryanair serves over 250 destinations
According to Ryanair’s website, the airline operates in 37 countries, serves more than 250 airports, and operates over 3,600 daily flights.
6. How many aircraft are in Ryanair’s fleet?
As of June 30, 2024, Ryanair has a fleet of 594 aircraft.
The majority of the airline’s fleet is made up of Boeing 737-800s. Ryanair also uses over 100 Boeing 737 MAX 200s.
7. Ultra-low-cost fares
Ryanair is prominently known for its ultra-low-cost fares.
For example, as of this writing (August 19, 2024), a flight from Manchester Airport to Brussels South Charleroi Airport on September 20, 2024, costs £14.99 for a basic fare.
8. Ryanair uses secondary and regional airports to reduce costs
To reduce costs, Ryanair regularly uses secondary airports or regional airports.
For example, as per the pricing listed above, Ryanair doesn’t fly to Brussels Airport – the city’s main international airport. Instead, Ryanair operates flights to and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, which is an hour away from the Belgian capital.
9. The airline has fast turnaround times
Ryanair is committed to having 25-minute turnaround times between landing and takeoff.
The airline’s website explains that “less time on [the] tarmac means less airport fees and more flights. That’s what gets your fare low.” Ryanair also “pre-board” its planes to get them back in the air quickly.
10. Ryanair offers a no-frills service
Ryanair’s low-cost business model means the airline provides a no-frills service, focusing only on the essentials for its flights.
Additional services, such as seat selection before the flight, extra luggage, and priority boarding, are available for an extra fee.
11. Michael O’Leary is the CEO of Ryanair
Irish businessman Michael O’Leary has been the CEO of Ryanair since 1994.
Before taking up that role, O’Leary was the airline’s Chief Financial Officer.
12. Ryanair is known for its controversial advertising and ideas
The airline’s controversial ideas range from putting standing areas on its aircraft to charging passengers to use the toilet – neither of those plans were ever approved.
Meanwhile, an example of Ryanir’s controversial advertising came back in December 2020 – during the COVID-19 pandemic – when the airline’s “jab and go” campaign was launched just days before the first COVID-19 vaccine became available in the UK. Ryanair’s “jab and go” TV adverts were ultimately banned from being aired.
13. The airline does not have any in-flight entertainment or reclining seats
Keeping costs down under its low-cost business model, Ryanair does not provide in-flight entertainment or reclining seats.
14. Ryanair was among the first airlines to implement paperless boarding
Back in October 2013, Ryanair announced that it would be introducing digital boarding passes by the summer of 2014, ultimately becoming one of the first airlines to scrap paper boarding passes.
Ryanair launched its digital boarding passes in July 2014. Despite the change in approach, passengers still have the option to print boarding passes.
15. The airline encourages passengers to use self-service check-in
To save time and costs, Ryanair encourages its passengers to use self-service check-in.
The airline’s passengers can check in for their flight through the Ryanair app and Ryanair website. The airline also provides self-service bag drop-off at certain airports.
Also discover:
- 10 Essential Facts About Flying with Ryanair
- Ryanair Review: FR3223 from Brussels-Charleroi to Manchester
- Is Ryanair the Biggest Airline in Europe in 2024?
16. Ryanair is known for its strict baggage policies
Ryanair’s website states that passengers must strictly adhere to the baggage allowance allowed in their booking.
The airline is known to check bag sizes at boarding gates using baggage sizers. Notably, if a checked bag is over the allocated weight or a cabin bag is oversized, then the airline will charge a fee. Always check Ryanair’s bag policy, and your baggage allowance, before flying.
17. A significant portion of Ryanair’s revenue comes from ancillary services
Ryanair’s low-cost business model means a large chunk of its revenue comes from ancillary services like paid baggage and onboard food and drink.
According to Statista, between the start of April 2022 and the end of March 2023, Ryanair generated 4.2 billion euros through its ancillary sales.
18. Ryanair has over 80 bases across Europe
According to Ryanair’s official website, the airline has over 80 hubs across Europe, including locations such as Dublin, Manchester, Brussels Charleroi, Paris Beauvais, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna, and Berlin.
19. Ryanair initially had an open-seating policy
Ryanair introduced an open-seating policy when it began operations in 1985.
The airline scrapped the policy in 2014, allowing passengers to pre-book their seats for a fee.
20. The airline has five subsidiaries
As of this writing, Ryanair has five subsidiaries: Ryanair DAC, Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe, and Ryanair UK.
21. Ryanair is not a part of any airline alliance
As it stands, Ryanair is currently not a part of any airline alliance.
22. The airline does not have any codeshare agreements
Ryanair currently does not have any codeshare agreements – an agreement in which an airline can sell another airline’s ticket using its own flight number – in place.
23. Ryanair does not have a frequent flyer scheme
During an interview in April 2024, Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, dismissed the idea of Ryanair having a frequent-flyer scheme.
O’Leary said, “I don’t understand why, if you’re already getting the lowest fares in Europe and therefore you’re already benefiting, saving money every time you fly with us, why do we need [a] loyalty scheme?”
24. The airline has an exceptional safety record
Currently, Ryanair has one of the most exceptional safety records on the planet.
Since its inception, the airline has not recorded a single fatality.
25. Ryanair has a significant number of aircraft on order
Back in May 2023, Ryanair signed an agreement to purchase 300 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft (150 firm and 150 options) worth $40 billion.
The orders are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2033.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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