Ryanair confirmed the exercise of 9 further Boeing 737-800 options for delivery in 2007 along with the planned sale (in 2007) of 5 Boeing 737-800's purchased in 1999.

Speaking in London, Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer said:

"Current trading continues to be in line with expectations. Higher fuel prices over the summer months have been partly offset by a combination of other cost reductions and slightly more benign yield environment. Passenger volumes and load factors have been strong over the summer and in August we achieved a significant milestone by carrying more passengers on our short haul European network than British Airways (now just the worlds 2nd favourite airline) did on their entire worldwide network.

This is a continuation of Ryanair's strategy of operating the youngest fleet in Europe, with the lowest unit operating costs and best technical reliability, thereby ensuring that Ryanair remains the number 1 on-time major airline in Europe. These 4 incremental option aircraft will in turn enable Ryanair to develop even more new routes while we continue to lead the low fare revolution across Europe".

The company currently operates a fleet of 83 Boeing 737-800's and 9 Boeings 737-200's. The exercise of these 9 options and the planned sale during late 2007 of the 5 aircraft acquired in 1999, combined with the existing firm Boeing commitments will in turn lead to Ryanair's fleet increasing by 151 aircraft to 234 aircraft by 2012. In addition the company has options over a further 179 aircraft for delivery between 2008 and 2014.