Ryanair to order between 150 and 300 Boeing 737 Max jets

Ryanair will order 150 Boeing 737 Max planes with an option for 150 more, marking the biggest aircraft purchase in the Irish airline’s history and a boost for Boeing.

At Boeing’s list prices, the deal would be worth more than $40 billion if Ryanair exercises all the options, but airlines routinely get deep discounts.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’leary said Tuesday the planes will replace some of the airline’s older Boeing jets and provide room for growth. The airline selected the largest version of the Max, which O’leary said will have 21% more seats but burn 20% less fuel than the airline’s current 737s.