Ryanair (FR/RYR) is one of the most recognised and successful airlines in the world. Originally established in 1984 operating a single route from Waterford to London Gatwick, the now ultra-low-cost carrier is now the largest airline in Europe. Let’s take a look at the makeup of the Ryanair fleet as on February 2026.
Ryanair operates a fleet of 611 aircraft, focused primarily on the Boeing 737 series. The largest portion of the fleet comprises 410 Boeing 737-800 (B738) aircraft, used for short-haul and medium-haul flights. In addition to this, the airline has 196 Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft, a high capacity variant of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B38M). As of February 2026, it is believed the airline has received the vast majority of it’s ordered MAX 8200 aircraft. Ryanair also holds a single Boeing 737-700, registered under the airline’s Polish AOC,.
In addition tot he 737 fleet, Ryanair operates a small fleet of business jets, comprised of 3 Bombardier Challenger 3500 and one Learjet 45. These are used to transport parts, personnel and VIPs across the Ryanair network. The challenger aircraft have replaced a larger fleet of older Learjets over the past 12 months.
This diverse fleet is one of the vital success factors that allows Ryanair to cater to a wide range of operational needs, supporting it’s high density regular passenger services with affective maintenance and logistical support.
Ryanair operates under multiple brands and Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) to expand its reach across different markets and regulatory environments. The core brand is Ryanair DAC, the original Irish-based airline that serves as the backbone of its operations. In addition, Ryanair launched other brands like Ryanair UK, which holds a UK AOC to ensure continued operations post-Brexit within the UK domestic market and between the UK and non-EU countries. Ryanair Sun, rebranded as Buzz, operates under a Polish AOC, primarily focusing on charter and scheduled flights across Central and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the group operates Malta Air, which holds a Maltese AOC, providing Ryanair with operational flexibility within the EU and beyond. Each of these brands allows Ryanair to navigate specific regulatory requirements, maximize operational efficiency, and maintain a broad network throughout Europe and beyond, while operating as one of the most prominent low-cost carriers.
The oldest aircraft
Ryanair’s oldest 737 is SP-RUM, the single Boeing 737-700 operated by the airline. Based primarily in Katowice (KTW), operates around 6 flights per day, most recently visiting airports including London (STN), Oslo (OSL) and Prestwick (PIK). The oldest 737-800 in the fleet is EI-DJC, a 21-year-old Rome (FCO) based aircraft built in August 2004.
Flying through the summer: Ryanair and the 737 MAX
The newest aircraft
The newest Boeing 737-8200 in service with Ryanair is EI-ILI, which was delivered from Seattle to Dublin on October 8, 2025. The aircraft appears to currently be based in Seville (SVQ), and has recently visited airports including Pisa (PSA), Catania (CTA) and Santiago de Compostela (SCQ).
Find out how Ryanair aircraft get delivered from the US to Europe
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The business jets
The newest business jet operated by Ryanair is M-ASBA, a Bombardier Challenger 3500 built in April 2025. This aircraft is primarily based at London Stansted Airport (STN).
The oldest in the fleet is Ryanair’s one remaining Learjet 45, M-ABGV, built in 2011. This aircraft is also primarily based in London Stansted, but can be deployed anywhere on the Ryanair network to provide logistical support.
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Cover photo: John Fitzpatrick, JetPhotos.
The post The Ryanair fleet in February 2026 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
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