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Ryanair Threatens to Cancel Boeing Orders Over Potential U.S. Tariffs

CEO Michael O’Leary warns that rising costs from tariffs could prompt the airline to explore alternatives, including Chinese-made COMAC jets, despite security concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers.

General view of the Ryanair logo at their headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, September 16, 2021. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Boeing Co's logo is seen above the front doors of its largest jetliner factory in Everett, Washington, U.S. January 13, 2017. REUTERS/Alwyn Scott
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Overview

  • Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has formally threatened to reassess or cancel the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX orders if U.S. tariffs significantly increase aircraft prices.
  • O’Leary stated that Ryanair would consider alternatives, including Chinese manufacturer COMAC, if their planes are 10–20% cheaper than Airbus models.
  • U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned Ryanair against purchasing COMAC aircraft, citing ties to the Chinese military and intellectual property concerns.
  • The U.S. aviation industry is lobbying for tariff exemptions under the 1979 Civil Aircraft Agreement to mitigate cost impacts on exports.
  • COMAC’s C919 jet, a potential competitor to Boeing and Airbus, has entered service in China but has yet to receive European regulatory certification.