note
Europe's original low-cost airline and now one of the largest airlines in the world.
The Irish airline was founded in 1985 by Tony Ryan, who had also founded aircraft leasing company Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA).
Ryanair commenced operations using a single Embraer Bandeirante between Waterford and Luton.
Two HS748s were introduced in 1986 when the airline was granted rights to operate scheduled services from Dublin to Luton and the success of this route led to them being replaced by BAC1-11s.
In early 1990's the airline struggled financially and this led to a decision to model it's business after Southwest Airlines and future CEO Michael O'Leary was dispatched to the US to study the American carrier's operations.
The Irish Government then gave Ryanair sole rights to operate on the Dublin - London Stansted route and the airline has been hugely successful ever since.
While Dublin Airport is the company's home base, other major hubs were developed at London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt-Hahn and Madrid.
The enlargement of the EU, coupled with the liberalization of European Air Traffic in 1997 led to massive expansion and the airline now carries circa 100 million passengers per annum across the entire continent.
Following the events of 9/11 Ryanair took advantage of the turmoil in airline industry and ordered 2 billion dollars worth of 737s from Boeing at a knockdown price.
In 2006, Ryanair purchased a major stake in Aer Lingus with the intention of completing a take-over.
However, this was not permitted because of EU anti-competition laws and major political opposition to the take-over in both Ireland and the UK.
The airline has grown beyond recognition and in April 2016 took delivery of it's 400th new Boeing 737-800, quite an achievement!
founded - demised (age)
1985 - present (40years)
headquarters
, Dublin
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (496)
