Boeing CEO confident that it will fulfill Ryanair’s 737-10 order

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and Ryanair Chief Michael O’Leary are both confident that Boeing will fulfill Ryanair’s order for 150 737-10 Max planes, with options for 150 more, despite supply chain and regulatory challenges.

O’Leary acknowledged that new problems can be “frustrating,” but said both Boeing and Airbus “have done a terrific job of repairing what was a very fractured supply chain challenge post-Covid.”

The deal, worth over $40 billion at list prices, was described by both leaders as “win-win” after a complex negotiation. Calhoun stated that Boeing anticipated logistics challenges would improve by 2023 and 2024, and this has been the case.

“No technical issues have arisen such that there’s a concern that we won’t be able to resolve,” Calhoun said. “It’s documentation, documentation, documentation.”

Despite a delay caused by a problem with a 737 MAX supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, O’Leary praised Boeing’s progress over the last year.

Calhoun confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification process for the MAX-10 is on track, and O’Leary said that there are “no issues” from regulators.

The 737-10 Max’s increased fuel efficiency and greater passenger capacity with 30 additional seats make it beneficial for both companies. Ryanair aims to carry 300 million passengers annually by March 2034, with the MAX-10 playing a key role.

While the final agreement includes a rebate for Ryanair, the Boeing chief said it also represented a good deal for the US company.

While there has been talk about Boeing developing a new plane model, O’Leary said the industry is primarily focused on improving fuel efficiency in engines and achieving low-carbon transport, particularly in Europe, where there are stiffer environmental rules.