DUBLIN- Ryanair (FR) is expected to receive even fewer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by the end of June than initially anticipated, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. This development could potentially lead the budget carrier to adjust its summer schedule during the peak travel season.
Ryanair, based in Dublin, becomes the first European airline to signal potential disruption due to the deepening crisis at Boeing.
Ryanair to Get Fewer 737 MAX
The American aerospace company has been undergoing a regulatory audit and faced restrictions on 737 MAX production since the mid-air panel blowout incident involving a new Alaska Airlines (AS) MAX 9 on January 5.
Initially, Ryanair was slated to receive 57 Boeing MAX 8-200 planes by the end of April. However, just over a week ago, Boeing informed the airline that it would receive approximately 50 aircraft by the end of June, as stated by O’Leary.
The actual number of Boeing aircraft remains uncertain. O’Leary mentioned, “We don’t really know how many aircraft we’re going to get from Boeing. We’re pretty sure we’re going to get 30 to 40. We’re reasonably confident we’re between 40 and 45. And now we are far less confident we’re going to get between 45 and 50.”
Industry Insiders Insights
According to two industry sources who spoke to Reuters, Boeing has notified its MAX customers about a potential delay in aircraft deliveries, citing recent events. The U.S. aircraft manufacturer, however, has not yet specified the number of planes that might face delays in delivery for the current year.
In response to inquiries from Reuters, Boeing acknowledged that it had informed certain airlines about possible delivery delays. The company emphasized that its delivery schedules are “dynamic” as it prioritizes the necessary time to ensure high quality and adherence to all regulatory standards for its planes.
Boeing expressed regret over the impact of these circumstances on its valued customer, Ryanair. The company assured that it is actively addressing its concerns and implementing a comprehensive plan to enhance the quality and delivery performance of the 737 aircraft.
Flight Reductions
The potential delays in aircraft deliveries could necessitate Ryanair to make adjustments to its summer schedule, reducing capacity during what is anticipated to be a peak summer for travel, as stated by O’Leary.
He mentioned, “If we only get 40 by the end of March, we will have to announce some minor schedule cuts.” Consequently, Ryanair is likely to transport only 200 million passengers for the upcoming financial year starting in April, compared to the previously forecasted 205 million.
These capacity constraints might impact the carrier’s competitiveness compared to low-cost rivals such as easyJet (U2).
Ryanair’s stock has experienced a 25% increase over the past two years, positioning it as the top-performing European airline amid the industry’s resurgence in travel following the pandemic.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
