Ryanair Threatens to Drop Boeing Order Over Potential US Tariffs

Ryanair's Boeing Order Contingency

• ✈️ Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, has threatened to seek alternative aircraft suppliers if US tariffs impact the price of its Boeing orders.
• ⚠️ CEO Michael O'Leary stated in a letter that the airline would consider this move if tariffs affect the cost of planes.

Potential Alternative: COMAC

• 🇨🇳 Michael O'Leary indicated that COMAC, a Chinese plane maker, would be considered as an alternative.
• 💰 O'Leary mentioned that COMAC would be considered if their aircraft were 10 to 20% cheaper than Boeing's main rival, Airbus.
• 📅 Ryanair is due to receive the final 29 aircraft from its 737 Max order by March next year and has 150 firm orders for the Max 10, with deliveries starting in two years.

Context and Concerns

• 🏛️ O'Leary called the US government tariffs "ill-judged."
• 🇺🇸 This response comes after a warning from US representative Raja Krishnamoorthi against Ryanair buying Chinese-made aircraft due to security concerns.
• 💬 Ryanair has not had discussions with COMAC about aircraft purchases since around 2011.