Ryanair became the largest airline in Europe in 2021. This was announced by Eurocontrol, which brings together air navigation providers in this part of the world.
According to the organization, Ryanair operated an average of 1,321 flights per day in 2021, a 43% decrease compared to the pre-crisis 2019. Then the low-cost airline also got the first place and performed 2,323 flights a day.
Second place was taken by Turkish Airlines with a score of 938 flights per day and a 30% drop in the number of flights.
Air France closes the top three with 648 flights per day, which is 46% less than in 2019.
Among the TOP 10 airlines, Eurocontrol recorded the smallest drop in the Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines – 22% with an average number of flights per day 367 in 2021. This airline took 8th place in the final ranking.
Top 10 airlines in Europe in 2021 by number of flights per day (compared to 2019):
- Ryanair: 1 321 (-43%)
- Turkish Airlines: 938 (-30%)
- Air France: 648 (-46%)
- Lufthansa: 617 (-59%)
- easyJet: 607 (-64%)
- KLM: 502 (-41%)
- Wizz Air: 391 (-34%)
- Pegasus Airlines: 367 (-22%)
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines: 318 (-61%)
- Vueling: 306 (-49%)
Ryanair
Ryanair (NASDAQ: RYAAY, LSE: RYA, ISE: 12724) is an Irish airline and the largest low-cost airline in Europe.
The head office is located in Swords, County Dublin. Founded in 1984 by Irish millionaire Tony Ryan (1936-2007), Chris Ryan and Liam Lonergan (owner of a travel agency).
In 1985, the company flew on the only route Waterford – Gatwick Airport (London) on a Brazilian 15-seat Embraer Bandeirante.
As of August 2021, the average fleet age is 9.4 years. The company has a fleet of over 450 aircraft.
Source: Avianews