Ryanair
Name: Ryanair
Started Date: 1984 to Present

About Ryanair

Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-cost airline, renowned for revolutionizing air travel by making it affordable and accessible to millions. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Ryanair began as a small regional carrier flying between Waterford and London Gatwick. Under the leadership of CEO Michael O'Leary since the early 1990s, the airline underwent a radical transformation, adopting the low-cost model inspired by Southwest Airlines in the United States. Today, Ryanair operates over 3,000 daily flights and serves more than 230 destinations across 40+ countries. With a fleet exceeding 500 aircraft—predominantly Boeing 737-800s and the newer 737 MAX 8200 models—Ryanair is known for its punctuality, efficient operations, and high-frequency routes between major and secondary airports across Europe and North Africa. The airline carries over 150 million passengers annually, making it the busiest international airline in the world by passenger numbers. Ryanair’s business model emphasizes cost-efficiency and no-frills service, offering customers ultra-low base fares while charging separately for extras such as seat selection, baggage, and onboard refreshments. This approach allows passengers to customize their travel experience and keeps ticket prices among the lowest in the industry. Despite frequent scrutiny for its strict policies and bare-bones service, Ryanair has been widely credited for democratizing air travel in Europe. The airline has a strong commitment to safety and regularly receives high safety ratings from international aviation bodies. In recent years, Ryanair has also made strides toward sustainability, investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and setting ambitious carbon reduction targets. Ryanair operates under several regional subsidiaries including Buzz (Poland), Malta Air, and Lauda Europe, allowing the airline to optimize operations across different European markets. The Ryanair Group continues to grow steadily, adapting to market demands while maintaining its core identity as a budget-friendly carrier. Through aggressive pricing, relentless efficiency, and continuous expansion, Ryanair has firmly established itself as a dominant force in European aviation. It remains a key player in shaping the future of affordable air travel.