Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, announced on Wednesday that he had plans to engage in discussions with high-ranking executives from Boeing in Dublin later in the day. These negotiations focus on the ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries that are exacerbating the crisis faced by the American aeroplane manufacturer. O’Leary shared these details with Reuters whilst at an aviation conference.
The dialogue will also encompass the clearance procedures for the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aeroplane and ongoing control issues following the loss of a panel in-flight of a new Alaska Airlines MAX 9 on January 5. While he did not provide specific personnel details, O’Leary confirmed that he would be interacting with top-tier leadership at Boeing.
While O’Leary recognises the continued production of high-quality aircraft by Boeing, he emphasises the importance of ameliorating the systems and quality control practices at their primary Washington manufacturing centre in Seattle. As the largest European receiver of their aeroplanes, budget airline Ryanair maintains regular contact with their supplier Boeing, expressing confidence that the situation will improve as scrutiny on the company by regulatory bodies intensifies.
Boeing is undergoing rigorous regulation, including by Congress and the FAA. Such thorough oversight, O’Leary feels, may hamper monthly production, but he argues it’s necessary. O’Leary warned last month that summer schedules, the busiest period, may need to be trimmed due to delayed deliveries of new planes.
Boeing declined to comment on the matter. They did reveal, however, that they foresee a greater than expected cash depletion in the first quarter due to further tightening of 737 production for quality enhancement.