Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary responded to Elon Musk’s interest in acquiring the low-cost airline after a dispute on social media. Musk, the founder of Tesla, conducted a poll on X, a social media platform he owns, asking followers if he should purchase Ryanair and reinstate “Ryan as their rightful ruler.”
During a press conference, O’Leary stated that Ryanair must maintain majority European ownership, making it impossible for Musk to acquire the airline even if he desired to do so. The clash between Musk and the budget airline executive revolved around the potential installation of Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system on Ryanair aircraft, with O’Leary previously labeling Musk as “an idiot.”
While O’Leary did not rule out the possibility of incorporating Starlink on planes in the future, he mentioned that it is currently not financially viable. Addressing the online altercation with Musk and discussing the state of X, O’Leary criticized social media platforms, referring to all social media as a negative space and specifically calling out TikTok for its poor content quality.
Expressing concerns about anonymity on social media, O’Leary urged governments to take action to address issues such as inappropriate content and threats made online. He emphasized the importance of accountability in online interactions and highlighted the need for a cleaner social media environment.
Regarding Musk’s insults, O’Leary dismissed them, stating that if derogatory remarks help boost Ryanair’s sales, he can withstand them. He also humorously mentioned that his teenage children have already said everything Musk could say to him.
When asked if he would consider buying a Tesla, O’Leary firmly declined, stating his preference for a tractor as his mode of transport. While Ryanair has engaged with Starlink, they have not had direct interactions with X. However, O’Leary humorously extended an invitation to Musk to visit Ryanair’s offices as part of a light-hearted gesture.
Commenting on the possibility of a trade war between the US and the EU, O’Leary called for the EU to take a firm stance against US threats, suggesting that Europe should respond with equal measures to deter any escalation. He advocated for a more assertive foreign policy towards the Trump administration, believing that the upcoming midterm elections in the US would influence Trump’s decisions regarding trade conflicts with Europe.
This article provides an overview of the recent exchange between Ryanair’s CEO and Elon Musk, shedding light on their differing views and humorous interactions.