In a recent announcement, Ryanair disclosed that Boeing has implemented measures to expedite the delivery of some 737 Max jets in the summer, potentially circumventing the backlog caused by slowed production rates. According to Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, the Irish budget carrier anticipates the receipt of an additional two or three aircraft by the end of June. He released this statement during a media briefing in Rome on Wednesday.
Although this total falls significantly short of the company’s initial plans, it demonstrates Boeing’s active endeavour to fulfil the needs of one of its key customers. Stephanie Pope, who became the head of Boeing’s commercial aircraft division last month (replacing Stan Deal), is dedicated to accelerating late deliveries, according to O’Leary.
Boeing had to decelerate its production process following an alarming incident in early January involving a 737 Max 9 jet, operated by Alaska Airlines. Consequently, Ryanair estimates only receiving 40 of the originally planned 57 Max aircraft this summer. This has resulted in the airline revising its yearly passenger prediction and reducing flight frequency across its operation.
Ryanair anticipates a majority of the deliveries to be completed between July and October, in line with the 2025 peak summer season. Expressing optimism about the situation, O’Leary said, “The new management gives me hope. I now have someone to reach out to in Seattle.” – Bloomberg.