Bloomberg – Ryanair Holdings Plc said it would seize the opportunity to acquire any additional shipments of Boeing Co.'s planes. The 737 Max is a no-brainer for airlines, providing support to the US planemaker under fire for quality defects after a plane exploded. Painting is in full flight this month.
The Irish low-cost airline said it would gladly add 737 MAX 10 aircraft to its fleet in 2026, One year ahead of schedule, in case dissatisfied customers delay or cancel orders for the expanded model that has not yet been approved.
“If they don't want the Max 10 or any other model, we'll take them,” Neil Sorahan, Ryanair's chief financial officer, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV after the company's third-quarter earnings report. “The price is right, we are very happy with this plane, we would like to have more.”
The approach by one of Boeing's largest European customers is good news for Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, who… The company's manufacturing quality is under intense scrutiny after a door-sized panel fell off an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5. United Airlines Holdings Inc. By removing the Max 10 from its internal plans last week after numerous delays, Bloomberg reported that it was looking for ways to end its agreement with Boeing.
Ryanair's comments help strengthen Boeing's negotiating position with other airlines, while putting Europe's leader in low-cost flights in a position to better access any opportunities that become available.
CEO Michael O'Leary, a skilled negotiator and articulate Boeing customer, The aircraft could be used in its quest for massive expansion at a time of limited aircraft supplies. In the past, O'Leary has harshly criticized Boeing for delivery delays.
“Ryanair is a big customer, so it has more weight in those negotiations,” said Alex Irving, an analyst at Bernstein. He added that “the amount the airline is willing to pay will be an important consideration” in determining whether to accept additional Max 10 aircraft.
Sorahan said he had already seen quality improvements at Boeing after visiting its factory, and expressed confidence in Calhoun and his team.. Ryanair still expects to receive 50 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing before the summer peak season, Seven fewer than originally planned but no change in his forecast before the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.
O'Leary said United CEO Scott Kirby's comments last week expressing frustration with the plane maker were “unhelpful and stupid.”
A queue of “predatory aviation lessors” could snap up the Max 10 if other Boeing customers abandon the model in their growth plans, O'Leary said on a conference call. “If they wish to postpone or cancel, Ryanair will be the first in Seattle to receive those aircraft.”
Boeing shares rose 0.9% on Monday in pre-market trading in the United States. Ryanair barely moved after falling as much as 3.9%.
– In collaboration with Tom Mackenzie.
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