LONDON (AP) — Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, recently responded to Elon Musk’s suggestion about buying the budget airline. This banter sprang from a dispute over installing Starlink satellite Wi-Fi on Ryanair planes. O’Leary quickly dismissed Musk’s idea, citing the high costs associated with the Starlink system’s antennas, which would add extra fuel drag to the aircraft.
In a radio interview, O’Leary called Musk an “idiot,” saying he wouldn’t take the billionaire’s comments seriously. Musk retaliated on his social media platform, X, calling O’Leary an “utter idiot” and quipping about putting someone named Ryan in charge of Ryanair. He even polled his followers, with a staggering 76.5% supporting his potential purchase of the airline.
O’Leary pointed out the restrictions on non-European ownership of airlines, noting that since Musk is based in the U.S. and originally from South Africa, he wouldn’t be able to own a majority stake in Ryanair. However, O’Leary welcomed Musk to invest, claiming it would be a smart move compared to the returns he’s likely getting on X.
This isn’t the first time O’Leary has found himself amidst controversy or banter. Known for his sharp tongue, he welcomed Musk’s attention, even turning the spat into a promotional opportunity for a seat sale featuring a caricature of Musk.
When asked about Starlink, O’Leary acknowledged it as a solid service but highlighted the financial burden it would bring, estimating a yearly cost of around $250 million. He added that only about 5% of passengers might be interested in paying for Wi-Fi on short flights averaging an hour and 15 minutes. Ryanair is exploring other options, including a deal with Amazon’s upcoming satellite internet service, Kuiper.
Aside from the airline drama, O’Leary also commented on the controversies surrounding Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, which has faced criticism for generating nonconsensual deepfake images. He expressed concern over the negative impact of such technology, calling social media, particularly X, a “cesspit.”
This dispute reflects broader themes in the tech and travel industries. As air travel evolves, the demand for in-flight Wi-Fi continues to rise. According to recent surveys, over 60% of travelers now expect connectivity during flights. Airlines are under pressure to keep up, balancing costs with passenger expectations. As companies like Ryanair adapt to these trends, how they address connectivity could shape their future.
In a world where everyone is connected, discussions about investments and technology will only become more critical for airlines. With the growing interest in in-flight internet, Ryanair’s choices will be closely watched, especially as competition heats up in the budget travel sector.
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