Ryanair CEO Rejects Elon Musk’s Proposal Amid Escalating Verbal Feud

The ongoing verbal feud between Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary and Elon Musk took center stage this week. The tensions flared over Musk’s proposal to buy the low-cost airline and the installation of Starlink systems on Ryanair aircraft. O’Leary, known for his candid remarks, dismissed Musk’s offer and assertions during an interview.

Background of the Dispute

The conflict escalated when O’Leary announced last week that Ryanair had opted against using Musk’s Starlink satellite Wi-Fi. He cited concerns about the additional fuel drag caused by the necessary antennas, which would significantly increase operational costs.

O’Leary’s Response

In reaction to Musk labeling him “misinformed,” O’Leary retorted, “I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk, he’s an idiot.” This comment ignited further exchanges on social media, where Musk responded by calling O’Leary an “utter idiot” and an “imbecile.” Musk even conducted a poll on X, proposing to buy Ryanair, with 76.5% of respondents endorsing the idea.

Ownership Regulations

O’Leary clarified that regulations prevent non-European nationals, like Musk, from holding a majority stake in European airlines. He noted Musk’s South African origin and current residence in the United States as barriers. Despite this, O’Leary suggested that if Musk wished to invest, it could be a worthwhile endeavor.

Financial Implications

Ryanair has been in negotiations with Starlink for approximately a year. O’Leary expressed enthusiasm for the service, estimating that its implementation could cost Ryanair around $250 million annually due to installation and fuel-related expenses. He predicted that fewer than 5% of passengers would pay for this service, based on the short duration of their flights, averaging about one hour and 15 minutes.

Alternative Solutions and Future Talks

• Ryanair is exploring partnerships with other telecom providers, including Amazon.
• O’Leary insists that any solution must reduce overall costs.

Social Media Controversy

In addition to the airline dispute, O’Leary commented on controversies surrounding Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. He criticized social media platforms, particularly X, labeling them as “cesspits” and condemned recent scandals involving nonconsensual deepfake imagery.

The ongoing exchanges between O’Leary and Musk continue to draw public attention. Ryanair even used the situation to promote a seat sale with marketing materials featuring a caricature of Musk, showcasing the airline’s knack for turning controversy into opportunity.