Ryanair Considers Delaying Boeing Aircraft Deliveries Amid US Tariff Concerns
Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) may postpone the delivery of new Boeing aircraft due to the potential financial impact of recently announced US tariffs, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. In an interview with the Financial Times, O’Leary confirmed the airline is prepared to defer incoming jets if tariffs increase the overall cost of acquisition.
“If tariffs are imposed on those aircraft, there’s every likelihood we may delay the delivery,” O’Leary said, highlighting concerns over increased expenses that could affect Ryanair’s cost structure.
The Irish low-cost carrier is currently scheduled to receive 25 Boeing aircraft between August and October 2025, as part of its broader fleet expansion plan. However, O’Leary emphasized that the airline doesn’t urgently need those jets until March or April 2026, in time for the summer season. This flexibility provides room to delay the deliveries should trade tensions escalate further.
“We might delay them and hope that common sense will prevail,” O’Leary added, signaling that Ryanair hopes for a resolution to the US-European trade standoff before making final delivery decisions.
Ryanair’s Boeing Order Book
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Ryanair has outstanding orders for 31 B737-8-200s and 150 B737-10s. While the airline recently reached an agreement with Boeing on a revised delivery schedule, it is still grappling with manufacturing delays. O’Leary has previously voiced frustrations over Boeing’s delivery timeline, warning that Ryanair will be short around 30 aircraft for the 2025 summer peak.
Broader Industry Impact of US Tariffs
The potential delays from Ryanair come amid rising uncertainty in the global aviation industry, driven by new tariffs imposed by the US administration. Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines and Juneyao Air, are reassessing their aircraft acquisition strategies in response to the increasing costs.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently confirmed the airline will not accept aircraft deliveries subject to additional tariffs. “We will defer any deliveries that have a tariff on them,” Bastian stated. “It’s very difficult to make that math work if there’s a 20% incremental cost.”
Similarly, China’s Juneyao Air postponed the delivery of a B787-9 jet in reaction to tariffs newly applied to US imports. The widebody aircraft had been expected to arrive within weeks but will now remain undelivered until further notice.
Growing Uncertainty in US-European Aviation Trade
The escalating trade tensions are putting pressure on airlines to re-evaluate their fleet planning and delivery timelines, particularly for carriers that rely heavily on Boeing aircraft. While Ryanair remains committed to expanding its Boeing fleet, the economic feasibility of near-term deliveries is now under review.
The situation remains fluid, and further actions will depend on how negotiations evolve between the US and its global trading partners. For now, Ryanair’s approach is clear—if tariffs make the jets more expensive, delivery delays are on the table.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com