Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Criticizes Boeing’s Delays

By Kate Abnett and Bart Biesemans

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Ryanair Group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary stated that Boeing’s new management “continue to disappoint” and highlighted that aircraft deliveries are behind schedule.

The Irish airline, a major Boeing customer, faces potential receipt of only 20-25 737 MAX aircraft by next summer instead of the planned 29. O’Leary expressed disappointment in Boeing’s performance during a Reuters interview, mentioning their ongoing collaboration with Stephanie Pope, the new head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Last month, Boeing appointed industry veteran Kelly Ortberg as its chief executive and has promised to increase production by year’s end while recovering from supply chain issues following a January incident that enhanced regulatory scrutiny.

O’Leary noted that Ryanair received five aircraft in July instead of the expected seven and anticipates only five of ten for August. He remarked on Boeing’s significant production problems but believes they may be nearing resolution.

In July, Ryanair announced that Boeing indicated some 737 MAX deliveries scheduled for next spring would shift to peak summer months in 2025, mirroring delays from this year that affected summer traffic volumes.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, currently holds 150 firm orders for the MAX 10 and options for 150 more, with the first deliveries anticipated by 2027. O’Leary also commented that the smaller MAX 7 is expected to be certified by year’s end, likely moving to early 2025, and the certification timeline for the MAX 10 remains uncertain, calling it a “day-by-day challenge with Boeing.”