U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a prominent Democrat from Illinois, has cautioned Ryanair against purchasing Chinese-made aircraft, according to Reuters.
On 29 April 2025, Krishnamoorthi, the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.
This warning comes after O’Leary recently expressed interest in acquiring COMAC C919 jets if they were significantly cheaper than Boeing or Airbus planes. The letter outlines “serious national security concerns” tied to the Chinese plane maker COMAC.
U.S. Concerns with COMAC
Krishnamoorthi’s concerns center on COMAC’s alleged ties to the Chinese military. He claims the company has benefited from stolen foreign intellectual property, a charge the Chinese government denies.
“U.S. and European airlines should not consider buying planes from firms linked to the Chinese military,” Krishnamoorthi stated. His warning underscores U.S. fears that Chinese aircraft could pose risks to global aviation security and economic fairness.
Ryanair, a major European low-cost airline, has not yet responded to the letter. Neither has COMAC, the state-backed Chinese manufacturer aiming to compete with Boeing and Airbus.
O’Leary’s earlier remarks about the C919, a narrow-body jet, sparked debate due to its potential to disrupt the aviation market.
The C919 is priced lower than its Western counterparts, making it attractive to budget-conscious airlines. However, geopolitical tensions complicate its adoption.
What’s it Really About?
The U.S.-China trade war adds context to this issue. Tariffs and sanctions have already impacted Boeing and the broader aerospace industry.
It should be noted that Ryanair operates only in Europe. It suggests the warning may reflect broader U.S. apprehension about Chinese aircraft entering Western markets.
U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi’s warning to Ryanair about purchasing Chinese-made COMAC C919 aircraft most likely reflects concerns that U.S. tariffs are pushing buyers away from Boeing.
The U.S.-China trade war, escalated by 145% U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and China’s retaliatory 125% tariffs on U.S. goods, has significantly increased the cost of Boeing aircraft for foreign buyers.
For instance, a Boeing 737 MAX, valued at around $55 million, could face prohibitive duties, making it less attractive for airlines like Ryanair, which prioritize low costs.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has already indicated that the airline might delay taking delivery of 25 Boeing planes due to tariff-related cost increases. This signals just how trade policies are impacting purchasing decisions.
This is particularly concerning for Boeing, as China, a major market, has halted new orders and deliveries, with Chinese airlines refusing up to 50 planes in 2025 due to tariffs.
As the aviation industry watches closely, Krishnamoorthi’s letter signals a new chapter in U.S.-China tensions.
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