In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing public dispute, Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary has dispatched a complimentary flight ticket to Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual. This gesture appears designed to defuse tensions in what has been dubbed the "battle of the billionaires," though it simultaneously highlights the deep-seated disagreements between the two high-profile business leaders.
The Core of the Conflict
The friction originated from O'Leary's firm stance against installing Starlink wifi systems across Ryanair's extensive fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. Musk, who owns Tesla, X, and SpaceX, reacted strongly to this position, publicly labelling the Ryanair boss "an idiot" and suggesting he "needs to be fired." The Tesla magnate even hinted at the possibility of acquiring Ryanair outright, a prospect O'Leary was quick to dismiss on regulatory grounds.
Regulatory Barriers and Ownership Rules
"Anyone is free to buy Ryanair shares," O'Leary clarified in an exclusive statement to The Independent, "but non-Europeans cannot control a European airline." This pointed remark directly addresses Musk's American, Canadian, and South African citizenships, effectively closing the door on any potential takeover bid under current European Union aviation ownership regulations.
The Technical and Commercial Rationale
O'Leary elaborated on his reluctance to adopt in-flight wifi, citing significant practical and financial hurdles. "This is not simple," he explained. "Once you start drilling holes in aircraft fuselages, it becomes very expensive and technically difficult. If it results in additional fuel drag, it's something we would never go near."
Despite this resistance, the Ryanair CEO indicated that discussions with technology providers, including Starlink, Amazon, and Vodafone, are ongoing. However, he set a clear condition: any implementation must lower operational costs for the airline. "The technology will eventually crack it," O'Leary predicted. "We'll get there – 6G, 8G, 10G – and eventually the antenna won't need to be external. It will come, but only when it can be provided free, without a cost penalty."
Consumer Behaviour and Market Realities
The airline executive further justified his position by questioning the commercial viability of paid onboard wifi. "We don't believe people will pay for onboard wifi, even on long-haul flights where it's often poor despite being 'free,'" O'Leary stated. His vision is for a future where connectivity is either sponsored or offered at absolutely no extra cost to passengers, believing genuine usage will only materialise under those circumstances.
Marketing Moves and Political Posturing
Capitalising on the very public spat, Ryanair has launched a provocative seat sale marketed as "only available for Elon Musk and any other 'idiots' on X." O'Leary displayed characteristic defiance regarding Musk's insults: "If he wants to call me an idiot, he wouldn't be the first and certainly won't be the last. If it helps boost Ryanair sales, he can insult me all day."
Beyond the corporate clash, O'Leary also ventured into geopolitical commentary, offering advice to European politicians. He urged a firmer stance in dealings with the United States, particularly regarding the Trump administration, declaring, "It's time for Europe to stand up to the US." This statement, made during a press conference in Dublin, frames the airline dispute within a broader context of transatlantic relations and economic sovereignty.
The exchange between O'Leary and Musk underscores significant tensions in the aviation and technology sectors, touching on issues of regulation, innovation costs, and the intersection of corporate leadership with international diplomacy. As both billionaires continue their verbal jousting, the industry watches closely to see whether this feud will spur technological compromise or further entrench their opposing positions.
