Ryanair, the leading low-cost airline, faces challenges as Boeing struggles with aircraft delivery. Consequently, the airline reduces its passenger traffic estimates for 2025.
Chief Executive Michael O’Leary highlighted that Ryanair expected to receive 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft by year-end. However, these deliveries now shift to January and February 2025. Moreover, the airline anticipated receiving an additional 30 737 MAX 8-200s from March to June 2025. Unfortunately, O’Leary confirmed that Boeing would likely miss this delivery timeline.
According to recent data, Ryanair accepted 34 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft in 2024, including deliveries to its subsidiaries, Buzz and Malta Air. In comparison, the airline received 40 aircraft between January 1, 2023, and October 17, 2023. By the end of the calendar year, Ryanair expected to have a total of 136 MAX aircraft.
Ryanair’s Q3 FY2024 report revealed that the airline planned to take delivery of 57 aircraft by April. Yet, the total number of expected deliveries dropped to 50 by the end of June. Meanwhile, Boeing continued to face significant delays, exacerbated by complications from a mid-air incident involving Alaska Airlines in January. As a result, airlines and regulators increased their scrutiny of Boeing’s operations.
To address the situation, Ryanair intensified its collaboration with Boeing. The airline increased its presence at Boeing’s facilities in Seattle and Spirit AeroSystems’ plants in Wichita. Unfortunately, Ryanair’s fleet included only 156 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft by June 30, which fell short of the contractual agreement with Boeing.
Despite these setbacks, Ryanair projected passenger traffic to reach between 198 million and 200 million by March 31, 2025. However, O’Leary noted that this estimate hinged on whether delivery delays would worsen. Simultaneously, Ryanair’s Chief Financial Officer acknowledged improvements in delivery quality and frequency but stressed ongoing risks of further delays.
Since the last quarterly report on July 22, circumstances have deteriorated significantly. Ryanair recently appointed a new CEO, who aims to rebuild relationships with machinists. Unfortunately, negotiations remain stagnant as unions continue their strike, initiated on September 13.
In the midst of these disruptions, Boeing managed to deliver a 737 MAX 8 to Turkey’s SunExpress on October 9. Ryanair received its last 737 MAX 8-200 on September 10, following a double delivery the day prior. As the situation unfolds, Ryanair adapts to ensure growth amidst challenges in the aviation landscape.
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