Irish low-cost airline Ryanair surprised industry commentators by announcing in mid-March that it is to enter the high-end private charter market. The Dublin-based airline has reconfigured a single Boeing 737-700 (registration EI-SEV) with a 60-seat “business class” interior. Previously the aircraft was employed for crew training and as a back-up to the company’s huge fleet of 737-800 aircraft on its European network. The aircraft offers a 2×2 configuration with a 48-inch seat pitch. Its range will allow it to travel six hours non-stop and it will be targeting the sports team and corporate market.