Ryanair, Europe's leading low-cost airline, signed an agreement with Boeing on Monday to purchase up to 200 new Boeing 737 MAX 200 "gamechanger" aircraft.

The Dublin-based airline said Monday's deals comprised 100 firm orders and 100 options, adding that when finalized and all options exercised, this deal will be worth over 22 billion U.S. dollars at current list prices.

The jetliners, which will be more fuel efficient and quieter than previous 737s, are part of a push by the airline to increase its annual passenger numbers by 50 percent to 150 million per year by 2024.

"Ryanair becomes the lead customer for this new aircraft which for Ryanair will feature 197 seats (8 more than Ryanair's existing 737-800s) and new CFM LEAP-1B engines, which combined with aerodynamic improvements will reduce fuel consumption by up to 18 percent in Ryanair's configuration and reduce operational noise emissions by 40 percent," it said.

Last year, Ryanair placed a 15.6 billion dollar order for 175 Boeing 737-800 jets. The airline is due to take its first delivery of 737-800 jets this Tuesday. Enditem

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