Ryanair’s Surprise Airbus Deal: A Blow to Boeing’s Dominance?   ✈️ Ryanair’s Surprise Airbus Deal: Is Boeing Losing Its Strongest Ally? Disclaimer: This article reflects current developments and expert opinions as of July 4, 2025. Official announcements may follow soon. The Ryanair Airbus order has surprised the aviation world, and it could be a defining shift in the airline’s long-standing loyalty to Boeing. A Sudden Change No One Saw Coming Ryanair has always been one of Boeing’s most loyal customers. So when news broke that the airline was in serious talks with Airbus, it caught everyone’s attention. If this deal goes through, it would be the first time Ryanair places a large order with Airbus — a major shake-up in the world of commercial aviation. What’s Actually Happening? Why the Ryanair Airbus Order Matters Right Now? Reports suggest that Ryanair is considering a huge order for Airbus aircraft, possibly in the A320neo family. Though nothing is officially confirmed yet, aviation sources believe Ryanair could be looking at anywhere between 80 to 150 jets. The models being discussed are likely the A321neo versions, which can carry more passengers and offer better efficiency on busy European routes. Deliveries could begin from 2027 onwards, even while the airline continues receiving its existing Boeing MAX orders. According to FlightGlobal, Ryanair’s Airbus discussions began earlier this year. Why This Matters So Much Ryanair and Boeing have been closely tied for over 20 years. Michael O’Leary, the airline’s outspoken CEO, has always favoured Boeing planes, using that loyalty to negotiate deep discounts and fast delivery slots. This possible Airbus deal shows a clear shift in strategy. Here’s what it could mean: Ryanair may be spreading its risk after Boeing’s repeated delivery issues and quality problems The airline wants flexibility and higher seat capacity, which the A321neo offers It gives Ryanair more bargaining power in future deals with either manufacturer This move is not just about aircraft. It’s about control, growth and avoiding future headaches. What This Means for Boeing If Ryanair really does order from Airbus, it would send a strong message. Boeing has already been under pressure from regulators, supply chain slowdowns and airline frustrations. Losing a customer like Ryanair — even partially — would be a big blow. This could also encourage other low-cost airlines to consider diversifying their fleets or at least negotiating harder with Boeing. How This Affects Pilots and Crew If Ryanair starts flying both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, this would change a lot behind the scenes. Pilots would need different training. New simulators would be required. Maintenance teams would have to work with separate systems. It’s possible that Ryanair might assign these new Airbus jets to one of its regional carriers like Lauda Europe or Buzz. Both have operated Airbus aircraft before, which could make the transition easier. Either way, this shift could open up more pilot jobs and training opportunities across Europe in the next few years. What People Are Saying Industry experts have mixed views. Some believe Ryanair is using this as a tactic to pressure Boeing into better pricing. Others think this is the start of a long-term change in fleet planning. Early signs suggest investors are taking it seriously. Airbus shares rose slightly after the news surfaced, while Boeing continues to face questions about reliability and timelines. What to Watch Now Whether Ryanair or Airbus officially announce the deal before the Farnborough Airshow later this month If the aircraft are for Ryanair’s main operations or a specific subsidiary Any major updates to Ryanair’s training or recruitment plans Final Thoughts If the Ryanair Airbus order is finalised, it could also affect training programs across Europe? This is more than just a new aircraft order. It could be the start of a new chapter in how Ryanair grows and how airlines manage their fleets in today’s fast-changing market. For Boeing, it’s a moment of reckoning. For Airbus, it’s a win they’ve been chasing for years. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that in aviation, nothing is ever set in stone. Stay tuned to Crew Daily for more updates as this story develops. Related: Top 5 Airline Fleet Changes to Watch in 2025   Disclaimer: The following article is based on publicly available sources and expert analysis as of 4 July 2025. Details may evolve as official statements are released. Share this content: