- Business
- Ryanair Holdings plc operates as Europe's largest low-cost airline, providing scheduled passenger air transportation services primarily across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The company offers short-haul, point-to-point flights on a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, including the Next Generation 737-800 and newer 737 MAX models; ancillary services such as online and airport check-in, baggage handling, priority boarding, seat selection, in-flight meals and refreshments, car hire, and travel insurance; and advertising space on aircraft fuselages, overhead trays, and websites. Ryanair Holdings plc also provides aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services through its Ryanair Labs division; operates hotel booking services under the Booking.com partnership; and markets bus tickets via its partnership with FlixBus. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland, the company serves over 240 airports with a focus on secondary and regional destinations, targeting leisure and business travelers seeking affordable fares. Its subsidiaries include Buzz, a Polish low-cost carrier; Malta Air; and Lauda Europe, which collectively expand its operational footprint. In the last two years, Ryanair Holdings plc has pursued aggressive fleet expansion with orders for up to 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 and MAX-200 aircraft; launched new bases in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Edinburgh amid post-pandemic recovery; formed a strategic codeshare partnership with Air Europa to enhance connectivity in Spain; reported record passenger numbers exceeding 183 million for fiscal year 2024; and navigated labor agreements with pilot unions to stabilize operations while fending off competitive pressures from rivals like easyJet and Wizz Air.