Early Handover Confirmed
Boeing will deliver 25 aircraft to the Irish low-cost carrier sooner than initially planned. The 737 MAX jets, originally scheduled for next spring, are now expected in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He complimented the build quality as “exceptional” and said he anticipated quick certification from U.S. regulators.
Manufacturer Faces Ongoing Hurdles
Boeing has long struggled with safety and production concerns. The 737 MAX was involved in multiple fatal incidents caused by technical faults, including one where a cabin door section detached during flight. As a result, U.S. authorities grounded the fleet and later restricted production to 38 aircraft per month. Earlier this year, Boeing indicated plans to request permission to increase output.
Critical Timing for Ryanair
The accelerated deliveries arrive at a pivotal moment for the airline. Ryanair had to cancel roughly 700 flights due to air traffic control strikes, especially in France. Despite these interruptions, passenger demand remains solid, O’Leary noted. With 70 percent of September seats already booked, he expects to recover most of the lost revenue and confirmed the company’s annual outlook remains unchanged.
