Boeing and Ryanair have marked the latest milestone in their partnership, with the delivery of the airline’s 400th Next-Generation 737-800.

The Irish low-cost carrier operates the largest fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s in the world.

“The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with its industry leading technical reliability and seating capacity, has been the foundation upon which our successful and safe growth has been built upon, since we took our first delivery in March 1999,” said Ryanair chief operations officer, Michael Hickey.

“We are delighted to be now taking delivery of our 400th 737-800, which includes the new Boeing Sky Interior and slimline seats, offering extra leg room and an enhanced customer experience, as part of our ‘Always Getting Programme’.”

Ryanair pioneered the low-cost model in Europe more than 30 years ago, with the Next-Generation 737-800 providing the optimal platform for its continued growth.

Ryanair is the largest Boeing operator in Europe with more than 1,800 daily flights carrying 106 million passengers annually to more than 30 countries.

“A key factor in Ryanair’s continued success is the outstanding economics of the Next-Generation 737-800,” said Monty Oliver, vice president, European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“This 400th 737 delivery is a special milestone for both our companies and we are honoured that Ryanair continues to be an all-Boeing operator.”

Ryanair has more than 130 unfilled orders for Next-Generation 737-800s and is also the launch customer for the 737 MAX 200, the newest member of the 737 MAX family.

The Dublin-based carrier ordered 100 737 MAX 200s, a variant based on the successful 737 MAX 8, that can accommodate up to 200 seats, increasing revenue potential and providing airlines with up to 20 per cent better fuel efficiency per seat than today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes.