Ryanair Relies on Boeing 737 MAX 10 Delivery Schedule and Opens Door to a Future Airbus Order
Ryanair is maintaining its firm commitment to Boeing and trusts that the first 737 MAX 10 aircraft will arrive on schedule. The airline expects to receive the first of its 150 ordered aircraft in early 2027, as confirmed by its CEO, Michael O’Leary, this Thursday.
Simultaneously, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier is beginning to look with greater interest towards Airbus, with the intention of diversifying its fleet in the coming years.
Boeing’s Schedule and Ryanair’s Confidence
The MAX 10, the largest model in the 737 family, is expected to receive its certification in the third quarter of 2026. Boeing has committed to delivering the first units to Ryanair in the spring of 2027.
“They have written to us confirming they expect to deliver those MAX 10s in the spring of 2027… We don’t believe there will be any delays with our first delivery,” O’Leary stated during a press conference.
This statement marks a shift in tone compared to last month when the executive was “optimistic, but not confident” about the timeline. His more positive outlook comes after conversations with Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial division.
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A Fleet Dominated by Boeing, but with Room for Airbus
Currently, Ryanair operates nearly 600 Boeing 737s, including both in-service aircraft and orders, and approximately 26 Airbus aircraft through its subsidiary Lauda. Although it has never placed a major order with the European manufacturer, O’Leary does not rule out this changing soon.
“Today we have 600 Boeing and 30 Airbus. I would like to see that grow over the next few years to, perhaps, 800 Boeing, but also 200 Airbus,” he said after the conference. “I would like us to have a significant operation with Airbus.”
Horizon for Lauda and Strategy with Airbus
The leases for the Airbus aircraft currently operated by Lauda expire in 2028. By that time, Ryanair hopes to finalize an agreement for new aircraft with Airbus or turn to younger second-hand models.
According to O’Leary, the airline will wait for an “industry crisis” before placing a large-volume order with the European manufacturer, something that could happen towards the end of the 2020s or the beginning of the 2030s.
A Long-Term Strategy
O’Leary’s message reflects two key moves: securing the renewal and growth of the fleet with Boeing, while keeping options open with Airbus. The goal is to ensure flexibility and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging market, taking advantage of future opportunities based on the industry’s circumstances.
With information from Reuters
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