Ryanair is not only the largest cheap airline in the world but with over 50 million passengers carried each year is even the 3rd largest of all European airlines. In terms of the number of passengers who travel over borders, Ryanair prides itself on being the biggest in the world. The Irish company has 40 million international passengers each year, a figure currently unmatched by any other airline in the world. Tony Ryan founded the airline in 1985 as a small company designed to provide connections between England and Ireland. After a few years, a new company overtook the project and based it on the business model of Southwest Airlines, the leading American cheap carrier. Since 2000, passenger numbers have grown rapidly. Around 150 destinations in Europe and North Africa can be reached, primarily via airports which are situated outside of cities, rather than centrally located. This can mean it takes longer or costs a little more to reach the airport or travel to cities and resorts. From the hub at London Stansted, Ryanair cheaply connects a huge range of countries including other base airports Dublin, Girona, Alicante and Brussels-Charleroi. The airline does not currently offer a frequent flyer program.
Airline Information Ryanair
- Founded: 1985
- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Owner(s): public company
- Fleet Size: 176
- Number of Destinations: 150
- Destinations: 5 destinations in Ireland, most of the destination airports are located in Europe, a few destinations in North Africa
- Average Aircraft Age: 3.0 years
- Type of Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
- Alliance: none
- Frequent Flyer Program: none
- Features: Taxation and fees are not included in the price, additional fees for baggage
Note: Information updated June 2010. Please visit the airline's official website for up to date information.