Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) chief executive Michael O'Leary has indicated potential further delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries could to drag on the airline's expansion plans.
After a panel of a Boeing 737 Max 9 fell off mid-flight earlier this month, the Irish budget carrier said last week that fares are likely to rise due to delivery delays curtailing capacity.
O’Leary told reporters today that he was not yet concerned the incident would have a significant impact on expansion, but said “you couldn’t rule it out” if more issues arise with Boeing aircraft in the coming months.
“It’s a possibility that couldn’t be ruled out because ultimately safety has to be number one and if there is another issue, it will be investigated.”
Ryanair is awaiting a huge order of Max 10 planes from Boeing, which O'Leary said he does not expect to be delayed significantly, but admitted that certification could be pushed back until 2025.
O'Leary said ensuring passenger safety was a priorty, backed up by rigorous safety audits and an otherwise reliable history of the Boeing 737.
He said the airline has taken proactive steps with the plan manufacturer, telling Sky News that this included increasing the number of engineers at Boeing's production facilities and engaging directly with Boeing's senior management, including chief execurive Dave Calhoun, to address any quality concerns.
O'Leary said he retained full “faith and confidence" in Calhoun but wanted to see improvement in quality control.
In the past, Boeing had delivered to Ryanair with “a spanner under the floorboards" and items left in the hold, he said.