Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Expresses Hope for China’s Comac as a Viable Jet Option
Dublin, January 23 - Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has voiced optimism about the potential of China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) to emerge as a credible alternative in the commercial aviation market. The outspoken leader of Europe’s largest low-cost carrier emphasized his interest in Comac developing aircraft capable of meeting Ryanair’s demanding fleet requirements, particularly in terms of capacity and production scale. O’Leary highlighted that Comac’s current offerings, such as the C919 narrowbody jet, fall short of the higher seat configurations preferred by the airline for maximum efficiency and passenger throughput. He envisions a scenario where Comac ramps up its capabilities over the coming decade to provide genuine competition to established manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
This perspective underscores the ongoing challenges in the global aircraft supply chain, where Boeing and Airbus dominate the narrowbody segment essential for low-cost carriers like Ryanair. O’Leary has repeatedly stressed that the airline remains agnostic about manufacturers, prioritizing cost-effectiveness, reliability, and timely delivery above brand loyalty. By expressing hope for Comac’s viability, he signals a strategic openness to diversification amid persistent delivery delays and production constraints from traditional suppliers. Such a move could introduce significant pricing pressure on Boeing and Airbus, potentially benefiting airlines and passengers through more competitive aircraft acquisition costs.
Comac, a state-owned enterprise, has made notable strides with the C919, which is designed to rival the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. While the aircraft has achieved certification and operational success in China, international acceptance, including European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval, remains a key hurdle for broader adoption. O’Leary acknowledged these limitations, noting that Comac’s current models seat around 180 passengers at most, whereas Ryanair favors higher-density variants closer to 200 seats for optimal low-cost operations. He anticipates that future developments, including stretched or enhanced versions, could align more closely with the airline’s needs.
Looking ahead, O’Leary’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to fleet expansion in an industry grappling with supply bottlenecks. Should Comac achieve the necessary production volume and regulatory milestones, it could reshape the competitive landscape for commercial jets. For Ryanair, this would represent an opportunity to secure cost-effective aircraft while maintaining its aggressive growth trajectory and commitment to offering low fares. The CEO’s forward-looking stance highlights the evolving dynamics in aviation manufacturing and the potential for new players to challenge the longstanding duopoly.