Ryanair explores Airbus deal to refresh Lauda fleet

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary has confirmed talks with Airbus regarding a potential refresh of Lauda’s A320 fleet, signalling strategic moves for cost-efficient fleet expansion.

The discussions come as Dublin-based low-cost airline Ryanair navigates aircraft delivery gaps and industry constraints.

“If I could do an Airbus order for 50 aircraft—which would give 25 aircraft to Lauda and would give Lauda 25 aircraft to expand—I would happily do it,” O’Leary told Aviation Week on 25 November during a flight from Bratislava to Vienna.

O’Leary acknowledged the strained relationship with Airbus: “They don’t really trust me, and they don’t particularly like me. They’re convinced that no matter what they offer me, I will show it to Boeing—and of course I will!” Despite this, he stressed that interest in an Airbus order for Lauda “is real.”

The CEO highlighted limitations posed by Airbus’ current backlog, stating, “The problem at the moment is, the Airbus [A320neo family] orderbook is full to 2031, 2032.” He added that Ryanair intends to wait for the next industry downturn as an opportunity to expand.

Regarding aircraft types, O’Leary said, “I couldn’t care less if it would be an Ceo, a Neo, a 320, a 321—if you can get it at a low cost per seat, whether new or second hand, we don’t care. Ultimately, if we can’t find new Airbus [aircraft], we’ll have to put 737s in there.”

Ryanair will close 2025 with 660 aircraft. The last four 737-8-200s are expected in early 2026, with the first 737 MAX 10 deliveries anticipated in spring 2027. O’Leary noted improvements in Boeing fuselage quality, saying, “The quality of Wichita-produced 737 fuselages has improved terrifically.”

Follow Ryanair’s fleet strategy and Lauda’s renewal plans in the full report.