How Ryanair's Massive 737 MAX 10 Order Boosts Boeing's Backlog

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Jan 23, 2026 at 09:57 AM UTC, 3 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

How Ryanair's Massive 737 MAX 10 Order Boosts Boeing's Backlog

Ryanair's substantial order for up to 300 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets strengthens the manufacturer's narrowbody backlog despite the variant's delayed certification.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryanair's order for up to 300 Boeing 737 MAX 10s is a cornerstone of Boeing's narrowbody backlog.
  • Boeing secured 601 737 MAX sales in 2025, demonstrating market confidence and production stability.
  • The 737 MAX 10, a key component of Ryanair's fleet expansion, is still awaiting final FAA certification.
  • The high-density MAX 10 is critical to the ultra-low-cost carrier strategy for lower cost per seat.

The commercial aviation sector recently received a major boost. This followed a substantial order from a leading European airline. Boeing secured the deal for its 737 MAX family of aircraft.

Irish ultra-low-cost carrier Ryanair is the customer. Its commitment is for the largest variant, the 737 MAX 10. This headline-grabbing order includes up to 300 aircraft. It represents one of the largest single deals in the jet maker's history. This massive commitment underpins confidence in the narrowbody jet program.

Impact on Boeing's Production

This major order significantly helps Boeing’s overall order book. The company recorded 1,173 new aircraft sales during 2025. Customers signed for 601 737 MAXs in 2025 alone. Boeing's total order backlog reached 6,130 jets by late 2025. Of this total, 4,869 jets belong to the 737 MAX family.

The manufacturer is focused on increasing its production rate. In October 2025, the FAA approved a rate increase. This allows for up to 42 737 MAX aircraft per month. Accelerated production helps clear the significant backlog. It also helps to improve Boeing's overall cash flow situation.

Certification and Delivery Challenges

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 variant faces ongoing regulatory hurdles. It is still awaiting full certification from the FAA. This delay has impacted fleet planning for many major carriers. Ryanair expects its first MAX 10 deliveries around 2027. The airline is relying on the MAX 10 for future fleet growth.

Ryanair is already a primary operator of the 737 MAX 8-200. This is a high-density version configured for 197 seats. The MAX 10 will seat up to 228 passengers in Ryanair’s layout. This capacity is crucial for the airline's ultra-low-cost carrier strategy. It allows for more passengers and lower cost per seat.

Narrowbody Market Dynamics

The narrowbody jet market remains highly competitive globally. The 737 MAX directly competes with the Airbus A320neo family. Both manufacturers hold record-breaking order backlogs. Demand for next-generation aircraft is extremely strong. These new jets offer significant fuel efficiency improvements. They use modern CFM International LEAP engines.

Ryanair's large order is a statement of market confidence. It reinforces the airline's long-term commitment to Boeing. This commitment is vital for the aviation market recovery. It signals robust growth plans across the European continent.

Key Takeaways:

  • 300 Aircraft: Ryanair's order for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is one of the largest.
  • Backlog Boost: The deal supports Boeing's 4,869-jet MAX backlog.
  • MAX 10 Delay: The largest variant is still awaiting final FAA certification.
  • Efficiency Focus: The new aircraft are central to Ryanair's low-cost operational efficiency.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

Visit Profile

You Might Also Like

Discover more aviation news based on similar topics

Airbus Delivers 700th Aircraft from its Tianjin Assembly Line
manufacturing
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:19 AM UTC4 min read

Airbus Delivers 700th Aircraft from its Tianjin Assembly Line

Airbus delivered its 700th China-assembled A320 family aircraft from its Tianjin plant, highlighting its deepening industrial footprint in a key market.

Airbus Slows A320 Production Ramp-Up Amid P&W Engine Shortage
manufacturing
Feb 24, 2026 at 02:10 AM UTC4 min read

Airbus Slows A320 Production Ramp-Up Amid P&W Engine Shortage

Airbus is slowing its A320 production ramp-up due to a persistent shortage of Pratt & Whitney engines, impacting its 2026 delivery targets.

Airbus Targets Record 2026 Deliveries Despite Engine Supply Constraints
manufacturing
Feb 23, 2026 at 07:03 PM UTC4 min read

Airbus Targets Record 2026 Deliveries Despite Engine Supply Constraints

Airbus targets a record 870 aircraft deliveries for 2026 but faces production constraints due to ongoing engine shortages from supplier Pratt & Whitney.

Boeing 777-9 Simulators Gain Initial FAA and EASA Qualification
manufacturing
Feb 23, 2026 at 07:19 AM UTC4 min read

Boeing 777-9 Simulators Gain Initial FAA and EASA Qualification

Boeing received initial FAA and EASA qualification for its 777-9 flight simulators, a critical step toward commencing pilot training for the new widebody.

Embraer Targets 200-Jet Order for India Assembly Line
manufacturing
Feb 22, 2026 at 06:57 AM UTC4 min read

Embraer Targets 200-Jet Order for India Assembly Line

Embraer seeks 200 firm aircraft orders from Indian carriers as a prerequisite to establishing a local final assembly line with its partner Adani Group.

Airbus Cuts A320 Targets, Citing Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortages
manufacturing
Feb 22, 2026 at 12:51 PM UTC4 min read

Airbus Cuts A320 Targets, Citing Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortages

Airbus is scaling back A320 production targets, publicly blaming Pratt & Whitney for a significant engine shortage that is disrupting its delivery schedule.