Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has released a video welcoming changes to top Boeing management announced earlier today. O’Leary, who has been both critical and supportive of Boeing, particularly in light of recent negative headlines, is hopeful that the new management team will help address the capacity challenges faced by the largest low-cost airline in Europe due to aircraft delivery delays. The airline shared O’Leary’s remarks on its social media platform known for its sharp wit.
As Boeing’s largest airline customer in Europe, O’Leary expressed his support for the management changes, particularly welcoming the appointment of Stephanie Pope to address the operation in Seattle, where many problems have arisen. O’Leary also thanked outgoing executive Stan Deal for his service over the past 30 years. The airline is hopeful that the new management team, working alongside Dave Calhoun and Brian West, will help eliminate delivery delays, ensuring a smoother process for aircraft deliveries in the coming years.
Despite facing delivery delays and having to make schedule changes due to the reduced frequency of aircraft deliveries, Ryanair remains committed to its all-Boeing fleet. With Boeing’s restricted production rate causing strain on capacity, O’Leary expressed disappointment but reaffirmed the airline’s support for Boeing as they work through these challenges. The combination of Boeing delays and the A320 grounding for required engine maintenance at ultra-low-cost competitor Wizz Air could potentially lead to slightly higher airfares for consumers in Europe in the summer of 2024.
Ryanair, which placed an order for up to 300 737 MAX 10 jets last year, including 150 firm orders and 150 options, has been navigating the challenges posed by delayed deliveries. O’Leary has even offered to purchase any 737 MAX 10 planes that U.S. airlines abandon, following doubts expressed by United Airlines about the timeliness of Boeing’s deliveries. While the 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 7 aircraft types are still awaiting certification due to issues with their de-icing systems, Ryanair remains committed to taking all the Max 10s as part of their fleet.
Overall, Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary remains hopeful that the changes in top Boeing management will help address the issues causing delivery delays and strain on capacity faced by the airline and other major Boeing customers. Despite challenges with reduced aircraft deliveries and having to make schedule changes, O’Leary has reiterated Ryanair’s commitment to working with Boeing to overcome these hurdles. With the airline’s order for up to 300 737 MAX 10 jets and its pledge to take all the Max 10s, Ryanair is poised to continue its partnership with Boeing as they navigate these temporary challenges.
