Ryanair

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers (185 million in FY2024), Ryanair operates 3,600+ daily flights across 40 countries. Its ultra-low-cost model pioneered secondary airport strategies, strict baggage fees, and ancillary revenue that now represents 30% of revenue. Despite its polarizing customer experience, its safety record is excellent (no fatal accidents in commercial operation) and routes are unparalleled in Europe.