Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ: RYAAY) is an Irish low-cost airline group headquartered in Swords, Dublin. As Europe’s largest budget carrier by passenger volume, Ryanair operates a fleet composed primarily of Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft, offering scheduled passenger services and ancillary products such as priority boarding, seat selection, excess baggage and in-flight sales. The company also provides cargo transport through Ryanair’s dedicated car-carrier holds, leveraging its extensive route network to serve light freight and express parcels.
Founded in 1984 by Tony Ryan, Ryanair commenced operations with a single 15-seat Embraer Bandeirante on its inaugural Waterford–London route. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary, who joined the company in 1988 and became CEO in 1994, Ryanair shifted to a no-frills, point-to-point model that emphasizes high aircraft utilization, direct online sales and minimal turnaround times. This strategy has driven consistent network expansion and cost reductions, allowing the carrier to maintain some of the lowest base fares in the industry.
Today, Ryanair serves over 225 destinations across 37 countries, spanning Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The group has broadened its brand portfolio through subsidiaries such as Buzz, Malta Air and Lauda Europe, reinforcing its presence in key markets. Leadership continues to focus on fleet modernization, digital platforms for customer engagement and route development, positioning Ryanair as a dominant player in the competitive short-haul market.
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