Ryanair Threatens 737 MAX Cancellation

Ryanair is threatening to cancel orders for the Boeing 737 MAX amid escalating tensions.

The tensions stem from ongoing delays in Ryanair’s efforts to acquire new units from the American plane maker.

For Ryanair, this isn’t the first time the carrier has made such threats, and it likely won’t be the last.

Delays Continue For 737 MAX

The 737 MAX isn’t the only aircraft affected by ongoing supply chain struggles and quality assurance challenges. However, for Ryanair, it’s a primary focus.

These ongoing issues have impacted deliveries for the program. More often than not, they’ve led the company to expect jet deliveries, only to face significant delays.

Ryanair’s often outspoken CEO, Michael O’Leary, has once more criticised the American plane maker over ongoing delays with the 737 MAX program.

These ongoing issues are impacting the delivery timeframe for Ryanair’s 737 MAXs. Ryanair relies heavily on the series to support future fleet growth and improve company-wide efficiency and finances.

As a result of the delays, Ryanair’s Chief has said that if deliveries slip further for the anticipated 57 aircraft, they may reject the planes.

The aircraft are due by April 2024; however, if they slip to July or August, that’s when questions would be asked.

A Lengthy History Of Problems

Despite being an all-Boeing operator, excluding operations at Lauda, Ryanair is hardly immune to persistent issues.

Delays in delivery and frustrations date back to the late 2000s when Ryanair cancelled an order for the type.

While Ryanair already has a substantial fleet, it needs these planes on time. Arriving on time or late can mean the difference between meeting rising demand and competing with other major carriers.

The delays are impacting Ryanair’s upcoming winter schedule. The carrier says that more than 1.4 million passengers are slated to be affected, and if uncertainties persist, this could extend further into 2024.

Boeing has affirmed on numerous occasions that it’ll work to support Ryanair. Ultimately, without the aircraft available, Boeing has little it can do to appease the major European airline.

The Ryanair Fleet

Ryanair operates a fleet of nearly 300 Boeing aircraft with over 200 737-800s. The carrier already flies 76 737-8s, part of the MAX series.

However, this number is slated to keep growing. Of course, future deliveries still carry a lot of uncertainty.