Elon Musk mulls Ryanair takeover in spat with Michael OLeary

The ongoing dispute between Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual, and Michael OLeary, chief executive of Ryanair, has taken an unexpected turn, with Musk suggesting the possibility of acquiring the airline. This development comes after a highly publicised disagreement regarding the installation of Musk’s Starlink satellite internet technology on Ryanair’s aircraft.

The friction began when OLeary dismissed the idea of implementing Starlink on Ryanair’s fleet of 650 planes. He argued that the necessary hardware would increase drag and weight, resulting in significant additional operating and fuel costs. OLeary’s comments sparked a back-and-forth exchange, with Musk portraying OLeary’s views as misinformed.

Recent comments on Musk’s social media platforms suggested he was contemplating a Ryanair buyout, inviting users to express their opinions on the matter. The post garnered over 30 million views but did not result in a significant impact on Ryanair’s stock price. Initially, the shares saw a brief rise in early trading but returned to their prior levels shortly thereafter.

This spat highlights the contrasting business philosophies of the two executives. Musk’s ambitions in the airline sector, if realised, could reshape the industry, yet OLeary remains sceptical about the feasibility of such technological advancements in his operations.

While the dialogue continues, Ryanair has not issued an official response to Musk’s latest remarks. The market seems largely unaffected by the tumultuous exchange as investors weigh the potential consequences of Musk’s musings.

The apparent difference in approaches to technology and business operations raises questions about the future of air travel and the role of innovation within established companies.