Planes Arrive Ahead of Schedule
Boeing will deliver 25 aircraft to the Irish budget airline sooner than originally planned. The 737 MAX jets, initially expected next spring, are now scheduled for handover in October, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary announced on Wednesday. He praised the craftsmanship of the planes as “outstanding” and expressed confidence that U.S. regulators would authorize them quickly.
Boeing’s Ongoing Struggles
The manufacturer has faced years of scrutiny over safety and production flaws. The 737 MAX was involved in several serious accidents caused by technical defects, including a case where a cabin door panel detached mid-flight. U.S. authorities subsequently grounded the model and limited production to 38 aircraft per month. Earlier this year, Boeing indicated it would apply for approval to raise output.
Timely Support for Ryanair
The earlier deliveries come at a crucial moment for the airline. Ryanair recently canceled roughly 700 flights due to air traffic control strikes, particularly in France. Despite these setbacks, bookings remain strong, O’Leary said. With 70 percent of September’s seats already sold, he expects to offset most of the losses and maintained confidence in the airline’s yearly forecast.
