O'Leary's Response to Musk's Starlink 'Umbrage'
The Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, has expressed his confusion regarding Elon Musk's reaction to his decision not to use Starlink internet on Ryanair flights. O'Leary believes his explanation regarding the financial implications of such a move was reasonable and measured.
In an interview, O'Leary stated that he has not had direct communication with Musk, who is known for his vocal presence on social media platform X. O'Leary acknowledged that Musk's public criticism is a response to Ryanair's stance, but he remains unfazed, stating, 'If he wants to call me an idiot, he certainly won't be the first or the last.'
Ryanair has been in discussions with Starlink, owned by Musk, but O'Leary emphasized the financial constraints. He estimated that implementing the Starlink system on Ryanair planes would incur an annual cost of approximately €250 million, significantly increasing fuel expenses by €100-200 million due to the antennae's drag. O'Leary also predicted that only a small percentage of passengers would be willing to pay for the service.
Despite Musk's public disagreements, O'Leary extended an invitation to the tech entrepreneur, stating that Ryanair welcomes all investors. He suggested that investing in Ryanair could be a lucrative opportunity, but he also highlighted the EU's strict regulations on airline ownership, preventing Musk from acquiring a controlling stake.
O'Leary's views on social media, particularly X, were also discussed, as he described it as a 'cesspit.' This response adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Musk's actions and Ryanair's strategies, leaving readers with questions about the future of their relationship and the potential impact on the aviation industry.
