Ryanair CEO Criticizes Boeing’s Delivery Delays, Warns of Further Setbacks for 737 MAX Fleet

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Ryanair Group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary expressed frustration on Tuesday over ongoing delays in Boeing’s aircraft deliveries, citing a continuing pattern of disappointing performance from the aerospace giant. The Irish airline, which stands as one of Boeing’s largest customers, has warned that it may only receive 20 to 25 of the 737 MAX aircraft it expected before the summer of next year, falling short of the 29 units originally scheduled for delivery.

O’Leary voiced his concerns in an interview with Reuters, revealing that the situation with Boeing’s new management team remains unsatisfactory. He pointed out that despite ongoing efforts to collaborate with Stephanie Pope, the newly appointed head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and other members of Boeing’s leadership, the results have yet to meet Ryanair’s expectations. Pope, who took over the role in March, and Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s recently named CEO, are under pressure to address these issues.

The delays come in the wake of Boeing’s pledge to increase its production output by the end of the year. The company has faced significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions and operational slowdowns, exacerbated by a critical incident on January 5. During this event, a 737 MAX 9 jet experienced an in-flight blowout of a door plug, which intensified regulatory scrutiny and further complicated production efforts.

O’Leary noted that Ryanair had only received five of the seven aircraft scheduled for July, and it appears the airline will only get five out of ten aircraft planned for August. This pattern of delayed deliveries has affected Ryanair’s operational plans, including its summer traffic volumes. In July, Ryanair disclosed that Boeing had informed them that some 737 MAX deliveries originally due by next spring would be postponed until the peak summer months of 2025, repeating a pattern of delays that have already impacted the airline’s current operations.

Despite these setbacks, Ryanair remains a significant player in the 737 MAX program. The airline has placed firm orders for 150 units of the MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737 family, with options for an additional 150 aircraft. The first of these MAX 10 jets is not expected to be delivered until 2027. Additionally, O’Leary mentioned that the smaller MAX 7 model, initially expected to be certified by the end of this year, is now likely to face delays until the first half of 2025. The timeline for the MAX 10’s certification remains uncertain, with O’Leary describing the situation as a “day-by-day challenge” with Boeing.

As Ryanair continues to navigate these challenges, the company remains hopeful that Boeing will resolve its production issues and meet future delivery commitments.