Elon Musk has provocatively suggested he could purchase the budget airline Ryanair, escalating a public feud with the carrier's chief executive Michael O'Leary. The Tesla and SpaceX founder created a poll on his social media platform X, asking his followers whether he should acquire the airline and "restore Ryan as their rightful ruler."
Public Spat Over In-Flight Connectivity
The suggestion follows days of escalating tensions between the two high-profile business figures, primarily centred on the implementation of WiFi technology aboard aircraft. The dispute began when O'Leary, in an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk, dismissed Musk as an "idiot" when questioned about introducing SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet system on Ryanair planes.
Cost and Practicality Concerns
O'Leary argued that installing the necessary aerial antenna for Starlink would be prohibitively expensive and create drag on aircraft, negatively impacting fuel efficiency. He further contended that passengers would be unwilling to pay for internet usage during flights, making the investment economically unviable for the low-cost carrier.
Musk has since responded directly to posts on Ryanair's official X account that mocked him regarding the disagreement. While industry observers widely interpret Musk's acquisition suggestion as provocative rather than a genuine bid, it recalls his surprise takeover of X itself, which began with an unexpected offer after he accumulated a significant stake.
Ryanair's Market Position
Ryanair, listed on the Euronext Dublin index, currently boasts a market capitalisation of approximately €30.4 billion (£26.5 billion). The airline anticipates carrying 207 million passengers during the current financial year, maintaining its position as Europe's largest low-cost carrier by passenger volume.
Historical Context of Musk's Business Moves
The billionaire's history of unexpected corporate acquisitions adds an intriguing dimension to the speculation. His approach to X demonstrated a pattern of making surprising offers that initially appear unconventional before materialising into serious negotiations.
Ryanair has been approached for comment regarding Musk's latest suggestions, but as of publication, no official response has been provided by the airline's corporate communications team. The public exchange highlights growing tensions between traditional aviation executives and technology innovators regarding the future of in-flight services and connectivity.
