Elon Musk’s recent feud with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has unexpectedly resulted in a surge in business for the budget airline. During a news conference in Dublin on October 4, 2023, O’Leary expressed gratitude for the “additional publicity” generated by Musk’s public remarks. The ongoing spat began when Ryanair announced it would not be equipping its fleet with Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by Musk’s company SpaceX. O’Leary cited concerns that the Starlink antennas would increase drag on the planes, leading to higher fuel costs.
Musk responded to Ryanair’s decision by labeling O’Leary as “misinformed” and questioned the airline’s ability to accurately assess fuel usage. This exchange quickly escalated when O’Leary appeared on the Irish radio station Newstalk to further critique Musk, stating, “I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk. He’s an idiot. Very wealthy, but he’s still an idiot.”
In turn, Musk intensified his rhetoric, referring to O’Leary as a “retarded twat who needs to be fired” after Ryanair’s official social media account poked fun at the idea of in-flight Wi-Fi. The situation grew more theatrical when Musk suggested he might buy Ryanair and launched a poll on social media asking his followers if he should “restore Ryan as their rightful ruler,” mistakenly referencing the late Irish billionaire Tony Ryan.
O’Leary did not shy away from the confrontation. He announced a “Great Idiots Seat Sale” in honor of Musk and others he deemed “idiots on X,” the platform formerly known as Twitter. During the conference, he made light of Musk’s insults, saying, “As anybody with teenage children would know, you’re frequently called an idiot and a twat at home. I don’t need to go outside to be insulted.”
The Ryanair CEO also commented on Musk’s potential investment in the airline, stating, “While only European citizens can own European airlines, Musk is welcome to pour money into the company. We would think it’s a very good investment, certainly a significantly better investment than the financial returns he is earning on X.”
This exchange exemplifies a dynamic where both parties thrive on controversy, with Ryanair successfully leveraging the situation to enhance its visibility and sales. As O’Leary noted in his remarks, the PR spats that arise from such clashes can be beneficial for business, turning potential negatives into marketing opportunities. The airline industry, particularly budget carriers like Ryanair, often capitalizes on edgy publicity, showcasing how a rivalry with a high-profile figure can translate into increased bookings.
