DUBLIN, Sept 14 (Askume) – Ryanair Group (RYA.I) Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said on Saturday that a strike at Boeing Co
O’Leary said his low-cost carrier Aer Lingus, one of Boeing Co ‘s (BA.N) biggest customers, had planned to take delivery of 30 737 Max planes by the summer of 2025, but Boeing’s operational problems had put the order on hold.
But now a strike by Boeing workers this week threatens the plane maker’s revival, with O’Leary saying Ryanair could get only 20 planes if the strike lasts three to four weeks.
“I have no doubt Boeing will fix this mess,” O’Leary told Ireland’s Newstalk radio. “It could take several weeks.”
Workers at Seattle-area Boeing plants that make the Max, 777 and 767 jets have been protesting all week.
A door on a 737 Max 9 jet jammed during a flight on January 5, leaving Boeing struggling with supply chain issues and slowing assembly lines.It promised to ramp up production by the end of this year.
O’Leary said it could take two to three years for Boeing to get back on track.
Boeing and union negotiators will return to the bargaining table early next week as the two sides attempt to end the strike.
