Ryanair Adjusts Summer 2024 Schedule Due to Boeing Delivery Delays

Ryanair faces delivery delays with Boeing, expecting only 40 of 57 B737-MAX8200 aircraft by June 2024, prompting minor schedule adjustments and a revised passenger traffic forecast for FY March 2025.

 

Ryanair, recognized as Europe's leading airline, announced a significant update on its aircraft delivery schedule from Boeing, revealing a shortfall in the expected number of B737-MAX8200 aircraft. Initially anticipating 57 new aircraft by the end of June 2024, the airline has now been informed that only 40 will be delivered. This adjustment necessitates a reduction of approximately 10 aircraft lines of operation during the crucial summer peak period, spanning July, August, and September. Consequently, Ryanair will enact minor schedule modifications across its expansive 600 aircraft fleet, focusing on decreasing frequencies on existing routes rather than eliminating any planned new routes.

The airline has proactively managed these changes by implementing schedule reductions at select higher-cost airports, including Dublin, Milan Malpensa, Warsaw Modlin, and four locations in Portugal, where operational costs have surged beyond the rate of inflation for 2024. Impacted passengers have been notified about these adjustments, with offers of alternative flight options or the provision of full refunds.

Expressing disappointment over the additional delays from Boeing, Ryanair anticipates these revised summer 2024 (S24) schedule changes will slightly reduce its passenger traffic forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2025 to just under 200 million, down from an original estimate of 205 million. The airline is coordinating with Boeing to arrange delivery of the delayed aircraft during the peak summer months, although the uncertainty precludes the sale of these aircraft seats for the S24 peak season.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair's Group CEO, voiced his frustration with the ongoing delivery delays but reaffirmed the airline's commitment to collaborating with Boeing to secure as many new B737 aircraft as possible by the end of June. He highlighted efforts to mitigate the impact on customers and airport partners and to pursue growth opportunities in the latter part of the season, albeit with expectations of lower fares during the shoulder months of September and October.

O’Leary extended Ryanair's support to Boeing as it addresses the current production and quality control challenges, expressing confidence in Boeing’s leadership to overcome these issues. He also noted that these delays, combined with the grounding of a significant portion of competitors’ Airbus A320 fleets, are likely to result in tighter capacity and modestly higher airfares for European consumers in Summer 2024. O’Leary encouraged Ryanair customers to book early to secure the best fares for the upcoming summer season.