Ryanair’s oldest aircraft, Boeing 737-800, still flying strong after two decades

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Ryanair’s oldest aircraft, Boeing 737-800, still flying strong after two decades

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Ryanair Boeing 737-800 | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 19, 2025

Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, was established more than 40 years ago and has since grown to become a major entity in European aviation. The airline operates with an all-Boeing 737 fleet, which includes the Boeing 737NG and the latest 737 MAX models. Operating at over 230 airports across 37 countries, Ryanair conducts approximately 3,600 flights daily.

The Ryanair Group comprises subsidiaries such as Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air. Its combined fleet consists of 616 aircraft, 590 of which are Boeing 737s alongside 26 Airbus A320s under Lauda’s management.

Ryanair’s fleet includes older models, some of which are over 20 years old, and newer Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft from the manufacturer. The oldest aircraft currently in service, Boeing 737-800 EI-DCJ, was delivered on September 1, 2004. This aircraft was part of a significant 2002 order of 100 Boeing 737NGs with 50 additional options.

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"EI-DCJ has been Ryanair's oldest plane for more than three years now," a spokesperson stated. The aircraft, noted for its high utilization, makes up to nine flights daily as per Flightradar24 data.

Although equipped for comfort and efficiency, Ryanair's 737-800 planes provide limited onboard services compared to full-service airlines. Passengers can purchase snacks and drinks, but there are no complimentary meal or entertainment services.

"EJ-DCJ was the first airframe in Ryanair's fleet to get the winglet upgrade," Ryanair shared. It is among the 19 Boeing 737-800s in the fleet, all over the age of 20 years.

An older aircraft, a 26-year-old Boeing 737-700 previously used for training and charters, still belongs to Ryanair Group. Now registered under Buzz as SP-RUM, it performs regular commercial flights.

Globally, the Boeing 737-800 remains significant, though succeeded by the 737 MAX series. Ryanair Group is the largest operator, managing 410 of these aircraft. While the airline plans to gradually phase out older 737NG models from 2026, newer MAX 8200s with enhanced fuel efficiency and range will continue to expand their fleet.

Ryanair ranks as the second-largest low-cost airline worldwide by revenue, trailing only Southwest Airlines. This position underscores its substantial impact within the airline industry.