Ryanair Extends Long-Term Aircraft Painting Partnership with MAAS Aviation Through 2035
Ryanair, Europe’s largest and most cost-efficient airline, has officially announced a significant extension to its longstanding partnership with MAAS Aviation, a global leader in aircraft painting services. The renewed agreement will span a further ten years, covering a remarkable 500 aircraft repaints at MAAS’s state-of-the-art facilities located in Maastricht, Netherlands, and Kaunas, Lithuania. This strategic collaboration supports Ryanair’s ambitious fleet expansion plans, as the airline continues its trajectory toward becoming a 300 million-passenger-per-year carrier by 2034.
This announcement underscores Ryanair’s commitment to maintaining the highest aesthetic and operational standards for its aircraft as the company expands its fleet to 800 aircraft, including the upcoming deliveries of Boeing’s 737 MAX-10 jets. The MAX-10 is an advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft that aligns with Ryanair’s sustainability and cost-efficiency goals. These aircraft offer 21% more seating capacity, reduce fuel consumption by 20%, and operate with a 50% lower noise footprint compared to previous models, reinforcing Ryanair’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while continuing to offer affordable travel options across Europe.
A Decade of Collaboration Extended
The extended agreement between Ryanair and MAAS Aviation marks the continuation of a relationship that has already proven successful and mutually beneficial. Over the past several years, MAAS has played a critical role in repainting Ryanair’s fleet, most recently celebrating the completion of its 600th aircraft for the airline. The renewed commitment for another 500 repaints reflects not only trust in MAAS’s craftsmanship and technical capabilities but also a shared vision for growth and operational excellence.
Neal McMahon, Ryanair’s Chief Operating Officer, commented on the partnership, saying:
“We are pleased to announce this extended agreement with MAAS Aviation for the next 10 years. MAAS have demonstrated excellent standards in their state-of-the-art facilities, and we are delighted to extend our partnership. MAAS successfully completed its 600th Ryanair aircraft repaint recently, and we look forward to working with them for the next decade of growth as we grow our fleet to 800 aircraft and 300 million passengers.”
McMahon’s remarks highlight the airline’s confidence in MAAS’s operational reliability, efficiency, and attention to detail, key factors in a partnership of this scale and complexity.
MAAS Aviation: A Trusted Global Partner
MAAS Aviation, which operates globally across Europe and North America, is known for delivering high-quality, OEM-approved aircraft painting services. The company employs advanced technologies and maintains rigorous standards in environmental safety, quality control, and process management. Its facilities in Maastricht and Kaunas are purpose-built to accommodate the demanding schedules and technical requirements of modern commercial airlines.
Commenting on the renewed contract, MAAS Aviation CEO Danny Hakker stated:
“The contract extension with Ryanair is a credit to our consistency of craftsmanship and the pride we feel every time one of their aircraft leaves our painting hangars. It’s about teamwork and a desire to go beyond expectations. Our long-term relationship with Ryanair is indicative of both parties’ commitment to getting it right, on time, every time. MAAS operates to the highest standards across all our global painting facilities. Furthermore, we continuously invest in the latest painting technologies and in training our teams of painting experts, to ensure that we consistently operate to the highest of standards.”
Hakker emphasized that MAAS’s success lies in its culture of precision and continuous improvement. The company’s investment in new technologies—such as environmentally friendly coatings, automated systems, and advanced climate control within hangars—ensures consistent paint quality and reduces environmental impact. This aligns with Ryanair’s sustainability strategy as the airline looks to modernize its fleet while adhering to its carbon reduction targets.
Supporting Ryanair’s Growth Strategy
This renewed agreement comes at a pivotal time for Ryanair, which is in the midst of one of the most aggressive fleet expansion plans in European aviation history. With over 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft on order, the airline is strategically positioning itself to meet surging post-pandemic travel demand and solidify its leadership in the low-cost carrier segment.
The MAX-10 aircraft, a larger variant of the 737 MAX family, plays a central role in Ryanair’s plan to increase passenger capacity while simultaneously reducing per-seat costs and environmental impact. Each of these aircraft will undergo repainting and branding at MAAS facilities, ensuring they meet Ryanair’s high visual and operational standards before entering service.
With this growth, Ryanair aims to increase its annual passenger capacity from approximately 180 million in 2024 to over 300 million by 2034. The collaboration with MAAS Aviation ensures that the airline’s expanding fleet will be consistently presented to the public with a fresh, professional appearance—something that contributes not only to branding but also to aircraft protection and maintenance efficiency.
Painting Excellence as a Strategic Advantage
Aircraft painting is more than an aesthetic choice; it plays a crucial role in fleet maintenance, aerodynamics, and long-term performance. A properly executed paint job reduces drag, protects the aircraft structure from corrosion, and ensures compliance with regulatory and manufacturer standards. For an airline with a high utilization rate and a commitment to operational efficiency like Ryanair, the quality and turnaround time of aircraft painting can directly impact scheduling, costs, and customer satisfaction.
MAAS’s ability to deliver high-volume painting services on time and with exceptional consistency is a clear advantage. The company’s team of skilled technicians works with advanced paint systems and strict process controls to ensure each aircraft meets Ryanair’s branding and quality benchmarks. These factors are vital for an airline that relies heavily on operational uniformity and tight scheduling.
A Partnership Poised for the Future
Looking ahead, both Ryanair and MAAS Aviation are expected to benefit from this decade-long agreement, not only through consistent business engagement but also through collaborative innovation in areas like sustainable paint technologies and digital process integration. As environmental regulations tighten and customer expectations evolve, both companies are positioned to lead the way in efficiency, performance, and corporate responsibility.
This renewed partnership also sends a strong message to the aviation industry about the importance of long-term collaboration. By committing to a decade of ongoing cooperation, Ryanair and MAAS Aviation are demonstrating that consistency, quality, and shared values can form the foundation of lasting business success.
With 500 aircraft repaints scheduled over the next 10 years and a rapidly expanding fleet of cutting-edge aircraft, Ryanair is investing in a future where visual identity, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility all take center stage. MAAS Aviation, with its proven expertise and commitment to continuous improvement, remains a critical partner in this journey.