Weak competition: Ryanair wants to capitalize on Pratt’s problems, but blames Boeing for frustration

It’s about the engine: Airbus A320 Neo family aircraft, but also the A220 and Embraer E2, are affected by various problems from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. This affects not only airlines such as Swiss, but also low-cost airlines.

In May, Wizz Air began transferring the Airbus A321 Neo from its subsidiary Wizz Air Abu Nok to the parent airline and replacing it with the older A321 Ceo. Reason: Neos’ GTF drives have problems, especially in hot and dusty environments. Wizz Air Abu Nok now has five A321 CEOs.

‘Look at Ryanair as the biggest beneficiary’

Last September, analyst firm Bernstein Research suggested that Ryanair could benefit from the Pratt problems its competitors are having with its fleet of Boeing 737 jets. “Hundreds of Airbus A320neos are expected to remain grounded,” Bernstein analyst Alex Irving wrote. “Off,” referring to the additional maintenance on Pratt engines and the concurrent shortage of maintenance capacity and spare parts.

According to Bernstein, the peak is likely to be reached in 2024. “We see Ryanair as the biggest beneficiary here,” analyst Irving said. He particularly pointed to the looming vulnerabilities of Wizz Air in Central and Eastern Europe and IAG’s Vueling in Spain.

Ryanair frustrated by Boeing aircraft deliveries

Now Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary says he wants to capitalize on the competition’s difficulties. O’Leary said, according to the newspaper, that demand is high, “and we believe that there are many competitors who will ground their planes.” Telegraph. However, the airline’s boss also says the situation is frustrating, because he has to wait so long for the new Boeing 737 MAX to boost Ryanair’s fleet.

“Boeing needs to get its act together and start delivering these planes on time,” O’Leary says. The American aircraft manufacturer announced last week that due to production problems, it will only be able to deliver 375 to 400 copies of the Boeing 737 MAX this year instead of 400 to 450 as previously planned.

O’Leary threatens to cancel 737 MAX

According to O’Leary, Ryanair is scheduled to receive 37 aircraft by the end of April. “We hope to have them by the end of June, but if it continues until July or August it will be too late, so we will not accept them,” threatened the airline president, who is never at a loss for extreme words. They are working with Boeing to speed up deliveries. “It’s important that we get all these aircraft while the competition is on the ground,” O’Leary said.