Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has cautioned that the low-cost airline could scrap its significant aircraft orders with Boeing if the United States imposes tariffs that substantially increase the cost of the planes, according to Reuters. The warning comes as the Irish carrier, Europe’s largest by passenger numbers, also indicated it would consider purchasing aircraft from Chinese manufacturer COMAC under the right financial conditions — a prospect that has already drawn sharp criticism from a U.S. lawmaker citing national security risks.
The airline is currently slated to receive 29 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by March 2026. The airline also has 150 firm orders and 150 options for the yet-to-be-certified 737 MAX 10 model, with initial deliveries expected in 2027.
In a letter to U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, O’Leary expressed his deep concerns about potential tariffs, stating that Ryanair would be forced to reconsider its commitments to Boeing and potentially seek alternative suppliers if the levies make Boeing’s aircraft economically unviable.
He pointed out that Ryanair’s contracts with Boeing, similar to those with European rival Airbus, do not typically account for the imposition of tariffs, meaning any such costs would likely be passed on directly to the airline.
O’Leary Eyes Chinese Alternative Amid Security Concerns
Amid U.S. national security concerns surrounding Chinese-made aircraft, O’Leary acknowledged that Ryanair has not engaged in discussions with COMAC since 2011. However, he stated the airline would be open to considering purchases from the Chinese state-backed planemaker if they offered a compelling cost advantage of 10-20% compared to Airbus.
While Airbus currently has its production booked for the remainder of the decade, and COMAC’s C919 aircraft does not yet meet Ryanair’s capacity requirements or have European certification, O’Leary’s comments signal a potential shift in the airline’s procurement strategy amid growing uncertainties.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
This openness to Chinese aircraft has already sparked pushback. U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has voiced serious concerns over Ryanair’s potential interest in COMAC, citing significant national security risks and the company’s alleged ties to the Chinese military. He argued strongly against U.S. and European airlines considering such purchases. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied these allegations.
Interestingly, Ryanair has recently noted an improvement in the quality of Boeing’s aircraft deliveries, a positive sign after previous production issues that contributed to delivery delays. These delays have already impacted Ryanair’s operational forecasts, forcing the airline to reduce its passenger number projections for the next fiscal year to 206 million, down from an initial 215 million.
