Ryanair Plans Backup 737-8 Jets if MAX 10 Faces Delay
Ryanair expects to receive 15 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in 2027, according to CEO Michael O’Leary, who spoke at the A4E Aviation Summit in Brussels. However, the airline is preparing a contingency plan if the MAX 10 fails to gain certification by the end of 2025. In that case, Ryanair will receive additional Boeing 737-8-200 jets instead.
O’Leary stated that Boeing has agreed to accelerate some aircraft deliveries to help Ryanair manage upcoming capacity constraints. Even with the adjusted timeline, the airline will be short 30 aircraft for the upcoming summer season. Ryanair is scheduled to receive 25 aircraft between August and October 2025, missing the critical summer growth window.
Addressing concerns over potential US tariffs on aircraft and components, O’Leary said he does not anticipate any being imposed. He recently met with Boeing representatives and said the manufacturer shares that outlook. O’Leary also expressed strong confidence in Boeing’s new leadership team under CEO Kelly Ortberg.
According to ch-aviation data, Ryanair still has pending orders for 34 Boeing 737-8-200s and 150 Boeing 737-10s. This makes Ryanair the second-largest customer for the MAX 10, behind United Airlines, which has 165 on order. Boeing has secured 1,219 total orders for the MAX 10 variant.
Ryanair’s current fleet includes 395 Boeing 737-800s, 176 Boeing 737-8-200s, 26 Airbus A320-200s, and one Boeing 737-700. These aircraft are operated by Ryanair and its subsidiaries Buzz, Malta Air, Lauda Europe, and Ryanair UK.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com