Ryanair Drops 'MAX' Branding From Boeing 737 MAX 200
Ryanair, the largest low-cost carrier in Europe, has dropped the word 'MAX' from the exterior of one of its Boeing 737 MAX 200. Images posted to Twitter Sunday afternoon by a Renton-based aviation spotter, @AeroimagesChris, show the fifth Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX 200 to be built painted in Ryanair's livery — without the MAX branding.
Ryanair, like many other airlines, indicates the aircraft type on the exterior of its planes just below the flight deck. The images posted to Twitter earlier today show the omission of the word 'MAX' on the exterior of the aircraft, which is now simply designated as a Boeing 737-8200.
Ryanair would be the first Boeing 737 MAX customer to drop the MAX title from its branding in the wake of the worldwide 737 MAX grounding.
Ryanair has 135 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on order. The ultra-low-cost carrier is set to become the first operator of the Boeing 737 MAX 200 variation, a modified version of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The MAX 200 was designed especially for airlines like Ryanair that operate densely-configured cabins.
As TPG's JT Genter reported, the aircraft could carry up to 200 passengers (hence the 200 name). Here's a look at the seat map:
The first Boeing 737 MAX 200 rolled out of the factory in November 2018 and was expected to enter service with Ryanair in April 2019. However, due to the 737 MAX grounding, Ryanair has yet to take delivery of the 737 MAX 200.
It is not yet known whether or not the removal of the MAX branding on the aircraft was a decision made by Boeing, Ryanair, or both.
The bigger question airlines will face once the Boeing 737 MAX is cleared to fly again will be how to convince passengers to get on board. Ryanair appears to have provided an early glimpse into what may be part of its strategy.
TPG has reached out to Boeing and Ryanair at this time and will update this post with any additional information.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees