On July 22, 2025, Ryanair announced it would extend its aircraft paint agreement with MAAS Aviation until 2035. This move secures the repainting of 500 Ryanair planes at MAAS facilities in Maastricht, Netherlands 🇳🇱, and Kaunas, Lithuania 🇱🇹, over the next decade. The decision supports Ryanair’s plan to grow its fleet and keep its planes looking sharp and consistent as the airline expands across Europe.
What the Ryanair–MAAS Aviation Paint Agreement Means

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline group, has relied on MAAS Aviation for over 40 years to keep its planes looking their best. The new agreement, which runs until 2035, covers repainting 500 aircraft. This is a big job, as Ryanair currently operates 612 planes and has 340 more on order, aiming for a total of 800 by 2034.
Adam Hale, Ryanair’s Head of Base Maintenance, explained why this partnership matters: “As our fleet grows beyond 600 aircraft, we need partners who can meet our high standards for quality and reliability.” MAAS Aviation’s advanced paint shops in Maastricht and Kaunas are known for handling large numbers of planes while delivering top-quality results.
Why Aircraft Painting Matters for Ryanair
Keeping planes freshly painted is about more than just looks. The paint protects the aircraft’s surface from weather and wear, which helps the planes last longer and stay safe. For Ryanair, a consistent and clean livery (the airline’s colors and logo) is also important for brand recognition. When passengers see a Ryanair plane, they know what to expect.
Ryanair’s livery requirements are strict. The airline wants its planes to have:
- High gloss retention: The paint must stay shiny and not fade quickly.
- Color stability: The colors should not change or dull over time.
- Long-term durability: The paint must last for years, even with heavy use.
MAAS Aviation uses advanced coatings and careful application methods to meet these needs. Each plane goes through a detailed process:
- Stripping: Old paint is removed completely.
- Surface preparation: The surface is cleaned and prepared for new paint.
- Application: New coatings are applied in a controlled environment.
- Quality control: Each step is checked to make sure it meets Ryanair’s standards.
This process is timed to fit with Ryanair’s maintenance schedules, so planes spend as little time as possible out of service.
Supporting Ryanair’s Fleet Growth
Ryanair’s growth plans are ambitious. With 340 new Boeing 737s on order, the airline expects to reach a fleet of 800 planes by 2034. This means more planes will need painting, both new deliveries and older aircraft that need fresh coats to stay in top shape.
The paint agreement with MAAS Aviation is a key part of this plan. By locking in a reliable partner, Ryanair can be sure its growing fleet will always look professional and match the company’s image. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this kind of long-term partnership is seen as a smart move in the airline industry, where keeping a consistent brand is important for customer trust and loyalty.
What This Means for Ryanair’s Operations
The agreement helps Ryanair in several ways:
- Operational reliability: Planes are kept in good condition, reducing the risk of delays or problems caused by paint damage.
- Brand consistency: All planes match the company’s image, which is important for marketing and customer recognition.
- Cost control: By planning repainting in advance, Ryanair can manage costs and avoid surprises.
- Fleet modernization: As new planes arrive and older ones are updated, the paint program keeps everything looking fresh.
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair Group CEO, has often said that operational excellence and reliable suppliers are key to the airline’s success. This agreement with MAAS Aviation fits that strategy, making sure Ryanair can keep up with its rapid growth.
MAAS Aviation’s Role and Reputation
MAAS Aviation is a well-known name in aircraft painting, with over four decades of experience. The company’s facilities in Maastricht and Kaunas are equipped with the latest technology, allowing them to handle large numbers of planes quickly and efficiently.
MAAS Aviation’s leadership points to their long partnership with Ryanair as proof of their quality and reliability. “We share Ryanair’s values of quality, reliability, and innovation,” a company spokesperson said. Over the years, MAAS has adapted to new livery designs and improved its painting methods to keep up with changes in the airline industry.
Industry Perspective: Why Long-Term Supplier Deals Matter
Industry experts see the Ryanair–MAAS Aviation agreement as a model for other airlines. In a sector where delays and inconsistencies can hurt a company’s reputation, having a trusted partner for important tasks like painting is a big advantage.
Analysts say that long-term deals like this one:
- Reduce risk: Airlines know they have a reliable partner who understands their needs.
- Support growth: As airlines add more planes, they need suppliers who can scale up quickly.
- Encourage innovation: With a stable relationship, suppliers can invest in new technology and methods.
This approach helps Ryanair stay ahead of competitors and keep its costs under control.
How the Paint Agreement Affects Communities and Workers
The agreement also has effects beyond Ryanair and MAAS Aviation. The paint shops in Maastricht and Kaunas provide jobs for skilled workers, from painters and technicians to quality inspectors and support staff. As Ryanair’s fleet grows, these facilities may need to hire more people, supporting local economies.
For passengers, the benefits are more subtle but still important. A well-maintained, clean-looking plane gives travelers confidence in the airline’s safety and professionalism. It also helps Ryanair stand out in crowded airports across Europe.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments and Challenges
As Ryanair aims to carry 300 million passengers a year by 2034, the need for reliable partners like MAAS Aviation will only grow. The airline may also update its livery or introduce new aircraft types, which would require careful planning and coordination with MAAS to roll out changes across the entire fleet.
Ryanair announced extension of aircraft paint agreement with MAAS Aviation
Agreement duration ends
Ryanair operates 612 planes
Ryanair targets a fleet of 800 planes
MAAS Aviation to repaint 500 aircraft
MAAS Aviation’s ability to handle these challenges will be tested as Ryanair’s operations become even larger and more complex. Both companies will need to stay flexible and open to new ideas to keep up with changes in the industry.
No Policy Changes or Disruptions Reported
As of July 22, 2025, there have been no reports of policy changes or disruptions affecting the Ryanair–MAAS Aviation paint agreement. The partnership continues as planned, with both companies focused on meeting their goals.
Official Resources and Where to Learn More
For those interested in more details about Ryanair’s operations or the paint agreement, the following official resources are available:
- Ryanair Corporate Website: corporate.ryanair.com
- MAAS Aviation: maasaviation.com
These sites offer press releases, contact forms, and background information about both companies and their work together.
For broader information about airline operations and regulations, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provides up-to-date guidance and rules for airlines operating in Europe. You can find more at the EASA official website.
Summary Table: Ryanair–MAAS Aviation Paint Agreement (2025–2035)
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Announcement Date | July 22, 2025 |
Agreement Duration | Until 2035 (10 years) |
Aircraft Covered | 500 repaints (Maastricht & Kaunas facilities) |
Ryanair Fleet Size | 612 aircraft (2025); 800 targeted by 2034 |
Key Stakeholders | Ryanair (Adam Hale, Michael O’Leary); MAAS Aviation leadership |
Practical Impact | Maintains fleet appearance, supports growth, ensures quality |
Official Resources | corporate.ryanair.com, maasaviation.com |
Practical Guidance for Airlines and Industry Stakeholders
For other airlines or industry professionals looking to learn from the Ryanair–MAAS Aviation partnership, several practical lessons stand out:
- Plan for growth: As fleets expand, having a reliable partner for key services like painting is essential.
- Focus on quality: High standards for appearance and durability pay off in brand value and customer trust.
- Coordinate schedules: Aligning repainting with maintenance minimizes downtime and keeps planes flying.
- Invest in relationships: Long-term deals encourage suppliers to innovate and improve their services.
By following these steps, airlines can manage their fleets more effectively and build strong brands that passengers recognize and trust.
Conclusion: A Model for Long-Term Success
The extension of the Ryanair–MAAS Aviation paint agreement until 2035 shows how important reliable partnerships are in the airline industry. With 500 aircraft scheduled for repainting at advanced facilities in Maastricht and Kaunas, Ryanair is well-positioned to support its ambitious growth plans and maintain a strong, consistent brand across Europe.
For workers, passengers, and industry observers, this agreement highlights the value of planning ahead, focusing on quality, and building relationships that last. As Ryanair continues to grow, its partnership with MAAS Aviation will play a key role in keeping the airline’s fleet looking sharp and ready for the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about how airlines manage their fleets or want to see the latest updates from Ryanair and MAAS Aviation, visit their official websites or check out the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for broader industry information. This agreement stands as a clear example of how careful planning and trusted partnerships can help airlines meet the challenges of a fast-changing industry.
Learn Today
Aircraft Painting → Applying protective and decorative coatings to aircraft surfaces for durability and branding.
Livery → Distinctive colors and logos painted on aircraft representing an airline’s brand identity.
Fleet Modernization → Updating and expanding an airline’s aircraft collection with newer, more efficient models.
Quality Control → Processes ensuring painted aircraft meet standards for appearance, durability, and safety.
Maintenance Schedule → Planned timelines for servicing aircraft, coordinating tasks like repainting to reduce downtime.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ryanair renewed its MAAS Aviation paint deal until 2035, covering 500 aircraft repaints. This ensures brand consistency, protects planes, and supports an expanding fleet reaching 800 aircraft, showcasing operational excellence and strategic partnerships in European aviation.
— By VisaVerge.com