The Irish airline company Ryanair is conducting talks with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for a substantial expansion of its fleet. The German Wirtschaftswoche notes this from the mouth of a spokesperson for Laudamotion, a subsidiary of the budget pilot. A purchase of up to one hundred aircraft is being negotiated, reports the business magazine based on insiders.
So far, the relationship between Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and Airbus would have been poor because the Irishman wants to negotiate large discounts with deals with aircraft manufacturers. Competitor Boeing was more obliging in this regard. Ryanair only flies with Boeing aircraft, Laudamotion already has Airbussen in its fleet.
According to Wirtschaftswoche, because of the problems with the 737 MAX from Boeing, the need is now so high that O’Leary is willing to negotiate with Airbus. In addition, the Ryanair boss would be more willing to compromise.
The conversations are about the purchase of Airbus aircraft of the A320 and A321 types. Early last year, O’Leary also announced a large order at Airbus, but then announced that the talks with the European aircraft manufacturer were going very slowly.