Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, has stirred debate by hinting at a potential shift to Chinese-made COMAC C919 aircraft amid U.S. tariff threats on Boeing planes.
CEO Michael O’Leary’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to rising costs, but is switching to COMAC feasible? Let’s explore the factors at play.
Why Consider COMAC?
Ryanair’s fleet relies heavily on Boeing 737 MAX jets, with a $30-33 billion order for 330 aircraft, including 29 due by March 2026 and 150 MAX 10s from 2027.
However, U.S. tariffs, spurred by trade tensions, could inflate these costs significantly. O’Leary has warned that such price hikes would force Ryanair to explore alternatives.
This notably includes COMAC’s C919 narrowbody, which could be 10-20% cheaper than Airbus planes. This cost advantage is tempting for a budget airline focussed on low air fares.
COMAC, a Chinese state-backed manufacturer, is gaining attention with the C919, a single-aisle jet seating 150-190 passengers.
While Ryanair hasn’t engaged with COMAC since 2011, O’Leary’s recent remarks perhaps signal openness to diversifying suppliers. With Airbus’ production slots booked until the decade’s end, COMAC emerges as a potential, albeit unconventional, option.
The EASA Certification Hurdle
A major roadblock is the C919’s lack of European certification. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is evaluating the aircraft, but certification is at least three years away, possibly six, according to EASA’s Florian Guillermet.
The process, ongoing for four years under the EU-China Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, involves rigorous design and flight tests.
While 80% of the C919’s components, like its CFM International engines, are Western-made, EASA must verify the aircraft’s overall safety and integration.
This timeline complicates Ryanair’s plans. Without EASA approval, the C919 cannot operate in Europe before 2028 at the earliest.
Ryanair’s immediate needs—expanding its fleet to maintain low-cost dominance—clash with this delay, making Boeing or Airbus more practical short-term choices.
Geopolitical and Practical Challenges
Switching to COMAC carries geopolitical weight. U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi raised security concerns, citing COMAC’s ties to China’s military and alleged intellectual property theft.
However, Ryanair operates exclusively in Europe, and C919 aircraft would never enter U.S. airspace, making these concerns less relevant.
Krishnamoorthi’s warnings likely mask a deeper worry: airlines like Ryanair moving to COMAC threatens Boeing’s business.
Losing a major customer to a Chinese rival would dent Boeing’s market share and influence in Europe’s competitive aviation sector. O’Leary, focused on costs, brushed off such objections, prioritizing savings over political posturing.
Practically, the C919’s smaller capacity (150-190 seats) compared to Ryanair’s 230-seat Boeing jets could disrupt its high-density model.
Introducing a new aircraft type also means retraining crews and reconfiguring operations, potentially eroding the C919’s cost edge. With Boeing vulnerable to tariffs and Airbus unavailable, Ryanair’s options remain constrained.
What’s Next for Ryanair?
O’Leary’s COMAC talk may likely be a strategic jab to pressure Boeing and U.S. policymakers. Ryanair’s business thrives on cost control, and any tariff-driven price spike could hurt its margins.
However, the C919’s certification delays, smaller size, and geopolitical baggage make a switch unlikely in the near term.
Ryanair will most likely stick with Boeing, negotiating hard to mitigate tariff impacts, while keeping COMAC as a long-term bargaining chip.
In conclusion, while Ryanair’s flirtation with COMAC grabs headlines, practical and regulatory hurdles suggest it’s more posturing than a concrete plan.
For now, Boeing remains Ryanair’s backbone, but COMAC’s rise signals a shifting aerospace landscape.
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