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Dublin-based Ryanair, known for its assertive strategies within the aviation sector, has once again made headlines by expressing its willingness to take on any Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft that may be cast off by U.S. airlines. Amidst regulatory delays and fresh concerns stemming from a recent incident involving the MAX 9, the European budget airline has spotted an opportunity to reinforce its ambitious growth plans, potentially turning a competitor's apprehension into its advantage.
Ryanair's leadership announced on Monday that it is prepared to purchase any MAX 10s at the right price, should U.S. carriers back out from their commitments, unfazed by the issues that have recently beset the aircraft model. This statement speaks volumes about Ryanair's confidence in the Boeing MAX series and its commitment to expanding its fleet, which already consists of a significant number of MAX 8 and earlier generation 737 aircraft.
European giant Ryanair, which flies more international passengers than any other airline, has a firm order for 150 MAX 10s and holds options for an additional 150, with eager anticipation for the delivery of these aircraft starting in 2027. The airline has bet heavily on the Boeing 737 MAX, building up a substantial part of its future fleet strategy around the model. The airline expects that the MAX 10 will receive its certification by the end of the year and enter into service in the early phase of 2025.
The ambitious airline's stance comes after United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, suggested a possible pivot away from the MAX 10 amid concerns over delays and safety, signaling a potentially sizeable gap in Boeing's order book for the taking. This move has raised questions in the aviation industry about the MAX 10's future, casting shadows over Boeing's recovery path after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had grounded its smaller sibling, the MAX 9, following a cabin panel mishap on an Alaska Airlines flight.
Despite these industry turbulences, Ryanair's Group CEO Michael O'Leary referred to the MAX 10 as 'transformational,' reaffirming the airline's belief in Boeing's manufacturing prowess while nudging the American airliner producer to enhance its quality assurance. CFO Neil Sorahan echoed this sentiment, dismissing negative remarks made by their United Airlines counterpart as 'unhelpful,' yet emphasizing their readiness to adopt the MAX 10s if they become available.
Currently, Ryanair operates a sizeable fleet of 136 MAX 8 jets and 409 previous generation 737 aircraft within its 574-strong fleet. The airline's strategy underscores not just a commitment to strengthening its fleet with 210 projected MAX 8s but also its robust penchant for 300 of the larger MAX 10s, all while retaining a close eye on market dynamics that could provide additional opportunities for expansion.
While Ryanair's reliance on the MAX series might seem like a gamble given the aircraft's fraught history, the airline is anything but apprehensive. It remains optimistic about the MAX's performance and holds a strategic fallback plan involving its older 737 aircraft, which could be retained rather than sold if necessary. But for now, Ryanair's sights are firmly set on growth through the acquisition of the MAX 8200s – a high-density variant of the MAX 8 – and the much-touted 10s, making the airline one to watch in the evolving aerospace industry.