Ryanair takes an innovative approach to finding ways to generate revenue, for example using space on overhead lockers for advertising. Another concept adopted by various carriers, including Ryanair, is turning aircraft into flying billboards, as illustrated here for Hertz car rental. The Boeing 737-200s in its fleet have now been replaced by larger 737-800s.

Current acquisition plans are for Ryanair to have 262 737-800s in its fleet by 2012. This picture shows a line-up of the carrier's aircraft prior to delivery from Boeing.

Ryanair first took to the sky in 1985 and now has 27 bases in Europe and a fleet of 163 737-800s. This aircraft is shown departing on delivery from the manufacturer. To make its aircraft more fuel efficient it decided to have its fleet fitted with winglets.

An aggressive marketing strategy has been adopted by Ryanair, even to the extent that it has painted comments on its aircraft regarding the prospects of competitors. On expanding its operations in Italy, it applied the legend 'Arrivederci Alitalia’ to this 737-800.