Europe’s largest carrier considers buying Chinese aircraft if tariffs affect the price of its Boeing 737 MAX orders

Ryanair's CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that the airline may cancel its significant order of 330 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, worth $30 billion, if proposed U.S.-led tariffs lead to increased prices. O’Leary's comments reflect a more determined approach compared to earlier statements, where he considered delays rather than outright cancellations. He emphasizes that these tariffs could force Ryanair to explore alternatives, including purchasing from China’s COMAC, especially if their jets are considerably cheaper than those from Airbus. However, the C919 aircraft from COMAC is still awaiting certification in Europe, and no Western airline has yet made a purchase.

In the field of transportation, airlines are increasingly looking at global supply chains and cost structures as potential political and economic shifts threaten their traditional relationships with manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The introduction of tariffs could lead to a reshaping of the aviation market and encourage airlines to diversify their fleets, potentially giving rise to new competitors or disrupting long-standing alliances. This could ultimately impact not just manufacturing, but also international relations and trade mechanisms within the aviation sector.