Dublin, August 28 - Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, is anticipating a significant increase in Boeing’s 737 production, with expectations that the aerospace giant will ramp up output to 42 aircraft per month by October 2025, up from the current cap of 38. This projection, shared by Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary during a press briefing in London on August 27, 2025, reflects Boeing’s ongoing efforts to stabilize and expand its 737 MAX production following a tumultuous period marked by quality and safety concerns. The current production limit was imposed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, where a door-panel blowout exposed missing critical bolts, raising serious questions about Boeing’s manufacturing processes. Ryanair, one of Boeing’s largest customers, has been directly impacted by these production constraints, forcing the airline to adjust its growth forecasts multiple times due to delayed aircraft deliveries. O’Leary’s discussions with Boeing’s commercial airplanes head, Stephanie Pope, underscored the planemaker’s commitment to seeking FAA approval for the production increase, with Boeing expressing confidence in achieving this target by October.
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The anticipated boost in 737 production is a critical development for both Boeing and Ryanair, as it aligns with the airline’s strategic goals to expand capacity and capitalize on recovering air travel demand. Ryanair expects to receive 25 737 MAX aircraft between August and October 2025, a delivery schedule accelerated by four to five months compared to initial projections. This early delivery will enable Ryanair to add extra flights during the high-demand Christmas travel season, from mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, a period O’Leary described as a “peak high-yielding traffic period.” The airline’s ability to secure these aircraft ahead of schedule is particularly significant given the potential threat of EU tariffs on U.S.-made jets, which O’Leary noted as a concern but currently not impacting operations. Boeing’s efforts to enhance production come as part of broader operational reforms, including supply chain improvements and the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, aimed at addressing past quality issues and restoring confidence among customers and regulators.
Boeing’s push to increase 737 output to 42 per month by October is part of a phased plan to restore its financial health and meet market demand. The company has been under intense scrutiny since the 2024 Alaska Airlines incident, which highlighted systemic issues in its production processes. To address these, Boeing has implemented real-time data analytics, diversified its supplier base, and strengthened quality control measures. Ryanair’s confidence in Boeing’s turnaround is evident, with O’Leary praising the “excellent” quality of recent deliveries. The airline has also placed a substantial order for 150 737 MAX 10 jets, with certification expected in early 2026, further solidifying its partnership with Boeing. This production ramp-up is seen as a strategic move to fulfill existing orders and capture new market opportunities as air travel continues its post-pandemic recovery. For Ryanair, the increased availability of 737 MAX aircraft supports its cost-leadership model, enabling lower fares and higher load factors, with the airline projecting to carry 210 million passengers by 2025.
The broader implications of Boeing’s production increase extend beyond Ryanair, signaling a positive shift for the aviation industry. The 737 MAX, known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, is a cornerstone of Boeing’s commercial portfolio, and scaling production to 42 units per month by October, with plans to reach 47 by year-end, underscores the company’s commitment to regaining market share. For Ryanair, the early delivery of 737 MAX 8s and the anticipated certification of the MAX 10 will enhance operational efficiency, with the latter offering a 15-20% per-seat cost reduction. Despite challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties and potential tariff risks, Ryanair’s financial guidance remains steady, supported by strong bookings and a 5-6% rise in average fares during the summer of 2025. As Boeing navigates FAA oversight and continues its recovery, the collaboration with Ryanair highlights a mutually beneficial relationship, positioning both companies to meet the resurgent demand for air travel while addressing past setbacks with renewed focus on quality and reliability.