Two Stansted-based airlines have been named among the top 40 companies in the world for reshaping the global economy by a US magazine.

WIRED, the American magazine which looks at future trends, ranked FedEx at number 12 and Ryanair at number 30 on the list.

The magazine, noted for its innovative, trend-setting ideas and information, ranked the companies on the basis of five criteria: innovation, technology, strategic vision, global reach and networked communication.

Commenting on the 'Wired 40' feature, which appears in the magazine's July issue, WIRED editor-in-chief Chris Anderson says: "These 40 companies each demonstrate the attributes within their respective industries that will define success in the next era of business.

"From global reach to smart use of networks, these firms are showing how it's done."

Recently, Ryanair was ranked the number one travel website on the internet search engine Google.

"'Wired 40' companies, such as Microsoft and Amazon.com, share a demonstrated mastery of their industry's business model. Of course, in turbulent times, it takes more than inspired strategy to succeed," said Anderson.

Commenting on the news, Ryanair.com's communications manager John Rowley said: "The WIRED list confirms what we have always said - simple is best."

Brought to you by the Stansted Life