Boeing Anticipates Disruption for 2-3 Weeks After Strike Ends, According to Ryanair

Boeing Production Disruptions Anticipated Due to Ongoing Strike

VIENNA (Reuters) – Boeing has informed its significant client Ryanair about potential production disruptions lasting two to three weeks following the conclusion of the current strike, according to Ryanair Group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary on Tuesday.

Furloughs for thousands of Boeing employees in Washington State and Oregon commenced on Friday after over 32,000 workers went on strike the previous week, halting production of Boeing’s best-selling 737 MAX along with other aircraft models.

O’Leary stated that Boeing indicated the aircraft deliveries would be delayed by the duration of the strike plus an additional two to three weeks. He anticipates that the strike could last between two to four weeks.

The Ryanair CEO mentioned that Boeing has assured them that the delivery schedule for 30 737 MAX jets expected by next June would remain unaffected, provided the strike concludes within three to four weeks.

“We’re uncertain about that assurance, but we have no option but to collaborate with Boeing once the strike ends to help them ramp up production and recover the delays,” O’Leary added.

Earlier this month, O’Leary suggested that ongoing backlogs combined with a lengthy Boeing strike could reduce the number of aircraft Ryanair receives by next summer to just 20. However, when asked about this projection on Tuesday, he reaffirmed that Ryanair is still counting on the delivery of all 30 aircraft.