Ryanair May Face Aircraft Delays Due to Boeing Strike, CEO Warns

Ryanair Group (RYA.I) CEO Michael O’Leary revealed on Saturday that the ongoing Boeing workers’ strike could delay the airline’s delivery of new aircraft, potentially reducing the number of planes it receives by next summer. Ryanair, one of Boeing’s largest customers, initially expected to receive 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets by summer 2025. However, due to Boeing’s operational challenges, that number had already dropped to 25. Now, with the strike affecting production, O’Leary warned that the airline might receive only 20 planes if the strike continues for three to four weeks.

O’Leary expressed confidence that Boeing would resolve the strike but acknowledged it could take several weeks. The strike, occurring at Boeing’s factories in the Seattle area, has disrupted the assembly of the 737 MAX, 777, and 767 jets. Workers have been protesting throughout the week, demanding better conditions and pay.

Boeing, which has struggled with supply chain issues and a slower assembly process since a regulatory incident in January, is aiming to ramp up production by the end of the year. However, O’Leary estimates it could take two to three years for Boeing to fully recover.

Union and Boeing representatives are expected to return to negotiations next week in hopes of resolving the strike and preventing further delays in aircraft deliveries.