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Over the past two decades, ultra-low-cost carriers have significantly influenced short-haul travel across Europe. Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air lead the continent's low-cost market with their extensive networks and fleet operations. Despite similarities in their business models, each airline has distinct strategic priorities.
Ryanair operates Europe's largest Boeing 737 fleet with a focus on high-frequency routes and rapid turnarounds. "According to ch-aviation data, the Irish low-cost carrier operates the largest fleet among the three budget airlines, with a total of 603 aircraft as of mid-2025." The airline's expansion strategy involves using secondary airports to minimize costs.
easyJet follows with an all-Airbus fleet comprising 190 aircraft as of mid-2025. Founded in 1995, easyJet initially relied on Boeing but shifted to Airbus for its entire fleet by early 2000s. Its strategy focuses on primary airports like London Gatwick and Amsterdam Schiphol.
