DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) - Ryanair Holdings said Monday it bought 10 more Boeing 737-800s, the no-frills airline's jet of choice as it expands across Europe.
The purchase was valued at about $700 million.
In a statement, Ryanair said the order means the airline has bought 142 Boeing 737-800s for delivery by 2012. The 10 newly ordered planes are expected to begin service in March, April and June next year.
The Dublin-based airline already operates 107 Boeing 737-800s as part of a mammoth deal with Boeing that gives the budget carrier the option to buy several hundred of the aircraft at preset, bulk-rate prices, although neither side has disclosed details of the price agreement.
Ryanair said its agreement with Boeing means it has voidable options to buy up to 169 more aircraft for delivery by 2014. It credits the Boeing 737-800, which has an average seating capacity of 160, with being more cost-effective and fuel-efficient than passenger jets manufactured by rival Airbus.
