Negotiations between Ryanair and Boeing have restarted, according to the airline’s chief executive Michael O’Leary.
Speaking to the Financial Times, the low-cost carrier boss said he was optimistic of a deal after the two giants of aviation fell out 18-months ago over price differences.
“We are back talking to them, which I think is an indication there is some movement on pricing […] I think there is a deal to be done,” O’Leary said.
It is understood that Ryanair are looking to make a multibillion-dollar deal for Boeing 737 jets, specifically the Max 10.
O’Leary told the Financial Times that conversations between the carrier and plane manufacturer are in the “early stages.”
In December 2020, Ryanair signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for 75 new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which increased its firm order count at the time from 135 to 210.
Ryanair managed to bag a bargain for the deal which was made while the aviation industry was suffering heavily from the pandemic.
In September 2022, O’Leary said the carrier’s estimated growth is “being hampered by Boeing’s inability to meet delivery schedule” .
However, in his interview with the Financial Times the CEO said Boeing was making “real strides” to clear its backlog.
“The supply chain is sorting itself out,” he said.