Ryanair threatens to cancel Boeing orders over US tariffs

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that the airline may reconsider its longstanding relationship with Boeing if new U.S. tariffs, imposed under the Trump administration, lead to significant increases in aircraft prices. O’Leary stated in a letter to U.S. lawmakers that the airline could delay or cancel Boeing orders and consider purchasing planes from Chinese manufacturer COMAC if their aircraft are up to 20% cheaper. The tariffs, which target steel and aluminum imports, have raised production costs for U.S. manufacturers, prompting concerns that these increases will be passed on to customers like Ryanair. O’Leary has indicated a willingness to buy from any supplier—Boeing, Airbus, or COMAC—if the price is right, despite concerns raised by U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi over the security implications of buying Chinese aircraft. The COMAC C919, eyed by Ryanair, has yet to receive full European certification but is seen as a potential rival to established Western models. The standoff highlights the broader impact of trade tensions on global aviation supply chains.