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Ryanair in new Boeing order for $18bn

Tuesday, March 12 07:45:05

Ryanair is about to confirm a massive order for Boeing planes which is expected to be confirmed by Enda Kenny while on his annual visit to Washington DC for St Patricks Day celebrations. The mammoth order - due to be confirmed by US President Barack Obama and Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the White House next week - is the single biggest aircraft purchase ever agreed by Ryanair. It's also one of the biggest orders ever placed with Seattle-based manufacturer Boeing.

It means Ryanair has all but thrown in the towel in its seven-year battle to buy Aer Lingus, and will now focus once more on its own long-term expansions efforts. A spokesman for the airline declined to comment.

The order will be used to replace some existing aircraft in Ryanair's fleet, but it means the carrier will be in a position to extend its footprint to even more corners of Europe and outside the region.