Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary continues public sparring with Elon Musk

According to O’Leary, discussions with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, faltered because Musk’s company believed Ryanair passengers would pay for internet access. “Where the discussions broke down was they believe 60% of our passengers will pay for free WiFi, to which we said, ‘You have obviously never met a Ryanair fucking passenger in your life.’”, he stated during a Monday earnings call.

O’Leary told Bloomberg TV, “I have no intention of making up with him. He thinks I’m an idiot. I know he’s an idiot.” He added, “If we can annoy him again, so much the better.” Musk and SpaceX have not yet responded to O’Leary’s latest comments.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline and the world’s third-largest carrier by passenger numbers, operates on a low-cost model, attracting customers with fares as low as 15 euros. The disagreement with Musk follows a previous exchange in January which led to Ryanair launching a promotional “Big ‘Idiot’ Sale” offering tickets starting at £16.99. O’Leary estimates the publicity generated approximately $40 million in free advertising and boosted bookings for several weeks.

Starlink has gained popularity among airlines, securing deals with nearly 50 carriers. O’Leary questioned the financial viability of a similar deal with easyJet, suggesting passengers would be charged for the service, a tactic he deemed unlikely to succeed. He also expressed concern that free internet access would encourage Ryanair passengers to use the service.