Ryanair Reports Sales Surge Following Public Exchange With Musk Over Starlink

Ryanair has recorded a notable increase in ticket sales following a high-profile disagreement between its chief executive and technology entrepreneur Elon Musk over the feasibility of satellite internet on commercial flights.

Michael O'Leary told reporters on Wednesday that revenues had risen between 2% and 3% over the previous five days, a period during which he and Musk exchanged sharp remarks on social media platform X.

The dispute began after O'Leary questioned the commercial viability of installing Starlink, the satellite broadband service operated by Musk's SpaceX, aboard Ryanair aircraft. O'Leary estimated the upfront cost of equipping the fleet at €250 million, with annual fuel costs rising by a further €100 million due to the additional weight of the hardware.

He also argued that demand would be insufficient, predicting that only around 5% of passengers would be willing to pay for inflight connectivity. According to O'Leary, this would make the investment economically unviable for a low-cost carrier focused on keeping fares as competitive as possible.

Musk responded by calling O'Leary insufferable and suggesting he might consider acquiring the Irish airline outright. He raised the possibility of a purchase multiple times over the past week on X, though European Union regulations require that airlines based in the bloc remain majority owned by citizens of EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Speaking at a press briefing, O'Leary said he welcomed any investment from Musk but noted the ownership restrictions would prevent a controlling stake. He added that Ryanair is a publicly listed company and its shares are available to any investor willing to participate in the open market.

O'Leary dismissed the personal criticisms directed at him, saying he is accustomed to such remarks both professionally and at home. He confirmed that his team plans to visit X's Dublin offices to present Musk with a complimentary Ryanair ticket as a gesture of thanks for the publicity.

The Ryanair chief executive also described social media as a challenging environment but acknowledged its importance to the airline's marketing strategy. Ryanair has built a distinctive online presence characterised by irreverent humour and direct engagement with passengers, often responding to complaints about its no-frills service model with tongue-in-cheek commentary.

O'Leary confirmed that he has had no direct communication with Musk throughout the exchange. Musk, whose estimated net worth stands at around $769 billion, is known for making bold statements across a range of industries. O'Leary, meanwhile, leads Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers and has cultivated a reputation for outspoken commentary on aviation policy and market trends.

The disagreement gained further attention following an announcement by German carrier Lufthansa that it would install Starlink across its fleet to provide free wireless internet to all passengers. O'Leary responded by suggesting Musk lacked understanding of aircraft aerodynamics and operational efficiency.

Despite the pointed language on both sides, O'Leary indicated that the visibility generated by the exchange had been commercially beneficial. He said he would be happy to continue receiving criticism if it translated into higher sales.

Industry impact and market implications

The public exchange highlights an ongoing debate within the aviation sector over the role of connectivity in the passenger experience and whether inflight internet should be treated as a premium service or a standard amenity.

Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair have traditionally avoided offering connectivity to maintain their cost advantage, while full-service airlines increasingly view it as a competitive differentiator. Lufthansa's decision to deploy Starlink and provide free access represents a shift in strategy that could pressure rivals to reconsider their own policies.

For satellite internet providers, the aviation market represents a significant growth opportunity. Starlink has already secured contracts with several carriers and is positioning itself as a leading supplier of inflight connectivity. However, the economics vary considerably depending on airline business models, with budget operators facing tighter margins and less willingness to absorb the costs involved.

The ownership restrictions referenced by O'Leary also underscore the regulatory complexities facing foreign investors seeking stakes in European airlines. These rules are designed to protect strategic infrastructure but can limit capital flows and consolidation opportunities within the sector.

From a marketing perspective, the episode demonstrates how executives with large social media followings can generate substantial attention for their companies, whether intentionally or otherwise. O'Leary's ability to translate controversy into measurable revenue growth reflects the evolving relationship between brand visibility and financial performance in an era of digital communication.