Ryanair Weighs COMAC C919, Denies Active Interest in Deal

Ryanair weighed COMAC C919 to replace Boeing 737 amid US tariffs but clarified it is not actively pursuing Chinese aircraft, citing misinterpretation. This consideration stems from anticipated cost increases for Boeing 737 operations due to US tariffs. 

Although Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary had previously expressed skepticism about Chinese aircraft, recent comments suggest the airline might consider the C919 if pricing is significantly lower than comparable Airbus models. 

The COMAC C919, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is positioned to challenge Boeing and Airbus in the single-aisle aircraft market. Since its commercial debut in 2023, the C919 has been operating within China, with plans to expand to Southeast Asia by 2026. COMAC is also seeking European certification as early as 2025.

However, the C919 has yet to secure certifications from key Western regulators, including the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Luc Tytgat, EASA's acting executive director, stated that COMAC initially submitted its certification request in 2019, but progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The certification process resumed in November 2024, with an expected completion by 2026. Nevertheless, Tytgat emphasized that the timeline remains uncertain, as the aircraft is still in the "technical familiarization" phase—the first stage of a process that can take five years or more.