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Ryanair is deep into one of the biggest single-type fleet transitions in modern European aviation. At the centre of this evolution is the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, the high-density variant designed specifically for low-cost carriers — and adopted by Ryanair at a scale unmatched by any other airline.
With more than 130 aircraft already delivered and hundreds more planned, the MAX is steadily moving from a novelty to a central pillar of Ryanair operations. But it’s not just a replacement for the older 737-800 fleet — it is a strategic tool that supports growth, boosts efficiency, and strengthens the airline’s vast network across Europe.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8-200: A Purpose-Built Workhorse
The 737 MAX 8-200 is unlike any other MAX variant. Developed with Ryanair and other high-density carriers in mind, it incorporates several major changes from the standard MAX 8:
➤ Extra Exit Doors
To allow nearly 200 passengers on board, the MAX 8-200 includes additional exit doors over the wing — a distinguishing feature that sets it apart even from other MAX aircraft.
➤ 197-Seat Configuration
Ryanair fits its aircraft with 197 slimline seats, increasing capacity by around 4% compared to the 737-800. For a slot-restricted operation like Stansted or Dublin, this matters enormously.
➤ Fuel Burn and Noise Reduction
The aircraft’s LEAP-1B engines bring around 16% lower fuel burn, while noise footprint is reduced by up to 40%, helping the airline meet tighter environmental rules at major European airports.
➤ Improved Range
The MAX 8-200 can fly further than the older 737-800, enabling the airline to reach more distant leisure markets and operate with greater flexibility across Europe and North Africa.
Ryanair has branded the aircraft the “Gamechanger”, a name now painted on many of the early deliveries.
A Fleet That Keeps Growing
The airline group now operates:
- 130+ 737 MAX 8-200s
- around 400 737-800NGs
Deliveries of the MAX continue steadily, although Boeing’s production delays have slowed the pace. Still, Ryanair remains committed to ordering more than 300 MAX aircraft, aiming to eventually turn the MAX into the backbone of its fleet.
The MAX flies interchangeably with the older NG fleet, and Ryanair does not assign MAX aircraft to dedicated routes. Instead, both variants are mixed across the schedule depending on availability, maintenance rotations, and seasonal demand.
The Ryanair Group: Different Airlines, Different Liveries
Ryanair is no longer a single airline but a group of carriers, all operating the 737 family. The MAX fleet is shared across these subsidiaries.
Ryanair DAC (Ireland)
The original airline and the entity behind the main “RYANAIR” brand.
Most MAX aircraft delivered so far appear on the Irish register, with EI- registrations.
Buzz (Poland)
A Polish-registered subsidiary operating scheduled flights and a significant number of charter services across Central and Eastern Europe.
Some Buzz aircraft — including some MAX jets — carry a distinct white-and-yellow livery with a smiling “Buzz” logo on the tail. Others wear the standard Ryanair livery. They have SP- registrations.
Malta Air
A major Ryanair subsidiary responsible for much of the group’s Mediterranean and Western European flying.
Many of the newest 737 MAX aircraft now arrive painted in a Malta Air-branded livery, featuring a red-and-white Maltese cross tail.
Some aircraft also keep Ryanair titles but operate under Malta Air’s AOC (Air Operator Certificate). Their aircraft have 9H- registrations.
Lauda Europe
Operating Airbus A320s only, Lauda does not operate the MAX — but it forms part of the broader Ryanair Group structure. They have 9H- registrations.
The presence of multiple liveries — Ryanair, Buzz, and Malta Air — gives spotters a surprising amount of variety across airports in Europe, especially during summer peaks.
Where the MAX Is Most Frequently Seen
While Ryanair doesn’t tie specific aircraft types to specific routes, its busiest bases naturally see the highest concentration of MAX aircraft simply due to scale and aircraft availability. These hubs include:
- Dublin (DUB)
Ryanair’s original home base, one of its largest by aircraft numbers and daily flights.
MAX aircraft are now a familiar daily sight here as deliveries continue.
- London Stansted (STN)
Ryanair’s single biggest base, with an enormous rotation of flights to dozens of European cities.
The MAX helps boost capacity on Stansted’s busy schedule.
- Milan Bergamo (BGY)
One of the airline’s fastest-growing Italian hubs, connecting northern Italy to the entire European network.
The MAX’s fuel efficiency makes it ideal for high-frequency routes here.
- Madrid (MAD)
A key base for business and leisure flying, with strong year-round demand.
MAX aircraft are increasingly common as Ryanair expands in mainland Spain.
- Barcelona El Prat (BCN)
Another major Spanish hub, pivotal to Ryanair’s Mediterranean and Western European operation.
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
During the summer months, PMI becomes one of the busiest Ryanair airports in Europe, and MAX aircraft rotate heavily through here.
- Warsaw Modlin (WMI)
Home to Buzz, with strong growth in Eastern Europe.
MAX aircraft in Buzz colours add extra visual interest for regional spotters.
Because Ryanair continuously rotates aircraft across its massive network, MAX aircraft can appear anywhere at any time — but these airports tend to see the highest daily volumes.
The MAX’s Role in Ryanair’s Future
The 737 MAX 8-200 is central to Ryanair’s long-term strategy:
- Lower fuel burn reduces costs across thousands of daily flights.
- Higher seat capacity boosts revenue without additional airport slots.
- Lower noise levels support operations at environmentally sensitive airports.
- Greater range opens new possibilities across Europe and North Africa.
As new MAX aircraft join the fleet, older 737-800s will gradually be phased out, though Ryanair plans to operate both types for many years.
The airline is also preparing to take delivery of 737 MAX 10 aircraft – the largest variant, which is not yet certified at the time of writing.
CEO Michael O’Leary has stated repeatedly that he sees the MAX as the key to expanding to 500 aircraft and 300 million passengers annually — positioning Ryanair even further ahead of its low-cost rivals.
A New Phase for Europe’s Biggest Airline
Whether seen in Ryanair blue, Malta Air red, or Buzz yellow, the 737 MAX 8-200 has become one of the most recognisable new aircraft across Europe. As deliveries accelerate and more bases transition to the type, the MAX is set to define the next stage of Ryanair’s growth — more seats, more efficiency, and more reach across the continent.
It may not fly dedicated routes of its own, but one thing is certain:
the MAX will only become harder to avoid — and easier to spot — as Ryanair’s fleet expands throughout the rest of the decade.
