Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Rejects Starlink, Sparking 'Utter Idiot' Feud with Elon Musk

The commercial aviation industry is watching a high-profile public dispute between Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and SpaceX founder Elon Musk over the adoption of Starlink in-flight internet. The conflict began after the head of Europe's largest low-cost carrier (LCC) dismissed the satellite Wi-Fi service for his fleet.

The Fuel Cost Controversy

Mr. O’Leary stated that installing the necessary external antenna for Starlink would impose a "two per cent fuel penalty" on Ryanair's more than 600 jets due to added weight and aerodynamic drag. The CEO estimated this operational cost could reach up to $250 million (€215 million) annually for the airline. He argued that passengers on Ryanair's short-haul routes, which average about one hour, would not be willing to pay for the service.

Mr. O’Leary further intensified the row in an interview, stating that Mr. Musk knew "zero" about aviation or drag. He then called the US billionaire an "idiot" and described his social media platform X as a "cesspit."

Starlink's Counter-Argument

Elon Musk quickly responded on X, calling the Ryanair chief an "utter idiot" who should be fired. When a follower suggested buying the airline to dismiss Mr. O’Leary, Musk replied, "Good idea."

Starlink's engineering team disputed Ryanair's fuel penalty claim. Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, stated that the 2% fuel impact was likely true for older, "legacy terminals." He claimed Starlink's low-profile equipment is more efficient. The company's analysis shows the fuel increase on a Boeing 737-800—Ryanair's primary aircraft—is closer to just 0.3%. Mr. Musk even suggested engineers could push the fuel impact to under 0.1% with future design updates.

Industry Impact and Competitive Landscape

The dispute highlights a major clash between the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) business model and the growing demand for in-flight connectivity. Ryanair's strategy prioritizes cost reduction above all else. Aviation fuel costs represent a significant portion of its operating expenses.

In contrast, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is rapidly expanding its presence across the global aviation sector. The service uses a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to offer high-speed, low-latency internet.

• Growing Adoption: Over two dozen carriers are rolling out the service.
• Major Commitments: The Lufthansa Group is equipping its entire fleet of over 850 aircraft with Starlink by 2029. International Airlines Group (IAG) is also installing it on over 500 aircraft for airlines like British Airways and Aer Lingus.
• Key Carriers: Other major airlines adopting Starlink include United Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Analysts view Starlink as a premium product, primarily appealing to long-haul and full-service airlines. The move by competitors to offer free or low-cost high-speed Wi-Fi could create competitive pressure on Ryanair. The ULCC must weigh its cost-saving strategy against evolving passenger expectations for seamless digital experiences.

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