Accelerated Delivery
Boeing will provide 25 aircraft to the Irish budget airline ahead of the originally scheduled timeline. The 737 MAX jets, initially slated for delivery next spring, are now expected in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He praised the planes’ “high-quality construction” and said he anticipates quick certification from U.S. authorities.
Boeing’s Persistent Challenges
The manufacturer has faced ongoing scrutiny over safety and production issues. The 737 MAX was involved in several serious crashes due to technical faults, including one incident where a cabin door panel detached mid-flight. In response, U.S. regulators grounded the model and later restricted production to 38 units per month. Earlier this year, Boeing indicated it would apply to raise that production limit.
Timely Support for Ryanair
The advanced deliveries come at a critical moment for the airline. Ryanair recently canceled roughly 700 flights following strikes by air traffic controllers, particularly in France. Despite these disruptions, demand has remained strong, O’Leary said. With 70 percent of September seats already sold, he expects to offset most of the lost revenue and reaffirmed the airline’s forecast for the year.