Key facts
- The FAA will delay certifying Boeing's 737 MAX 10.
- A software issue affects flight guidance during landings.
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary hopes the delay will be brief, expecting aircraft in spring 2027.
- Ryanair is Boeing's largest European customer.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a delay in the certification of Boeing's 737 MAX 10 aircraft, citing a newly disclosed software issue. This problem reportedly affects flight guidance during specific landing scenarios, preventing pilots from accessing automated systems. The news led to a 7% drop in Boeing's share price.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary expressed optimism that the delay would be short, stating on Tuesday that he hoped it would be "a matter of days, not weeks or months." He maintained Ryanair's expectation to receive its first 15 MAX 10 aircraft in the spring of 2027. O'Leary also noted satisfaction with the 29 Boeing aircraft delivered over the summer, seeing "signs of real progress being made on quality and on production."
Ryanair, Boeing's largest European customer, also announced plans to base three additional aircraft at Warsaw-Modlin airport, increasing its fleet there to nine as part of a $300 million investment. The airline will add 18 flights from Warsaw's airports during the winter season and is considering Poland for a new engine shop.
O'Leary was generally optimistic about air travel demand but predicted that jet fuel costs would push summer 2027 fares up by 15% to 20%. He also mentioned short-term challenges including the US midterm elections and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.