Elon Musk’s recent public dispute with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has unexpectedly benefited the budget airline, according to O’Leary himself. During a press conference in Dublin on March 20, 2024, O’Leary expressed gratitude for the increased attention and bookings generated by their ongoing feud. “We love these PR spats that drive bookings on Ryanair,” he stated, reflecting on the added publicity stemming from the exchange.
The conflict began when Ryanair, the largest airline in Europe, announced it would not adopt Musk’s Starlink technology, a satellite-based internet service developed by his company, SpaceX. O’Leary criticized the technology, asserting that the Starlink antennas would increase drag on the planes and consequently raise fuel costs. Musk responded by labeling O’Leary as “misinformed” and doubted the airline’s ability to accurately measure fuel usage.
O’Leary seized the opportunity for further commentary. In an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk, he dismissed Musk, saying, “He’s an idiot. Very wealthy, but he’s still an idiot.” He emphasized that Musk’s understanding of aviation was lacking, calling into question his expertise on matters of flight and drag.
Musk’s reaction escalated the feud. He referred to O’Leary as a “retarded twat who needs to be fired,” responding to a post from Ryanair that joked about in-flight Wi-Fi being a scam. He even entertained the idea of purchasing the airline, launching a poll on social media asking if he should “restore Ryan as their rightful ruler.” The reference was likely aimed at Tony Ryan, a prominent Irish businessman who passed away in 2007, prompting further confusion.
O’Leary did not hesitate to counter Musk’s comments. The Ryanair account playfully announced a “Great Idiots seat sale,” suggesting it was dedicated to Musk and any other “idiots” on social media. He planned to hold a press conference to address Musk’s statements, using humor to navigate the situation.
Musk continued to engage, labeling O’Leary as an “insufferable, special needs chimp” and mocked his background in accounting rather than aviation expertise. The exchange has drawn significant attention, highlighting a mutual penchant for controversy between Musk and O’Leary.
At the press conference, O’Leary noted the success of the promotional campaign, reinforcing his indifference to Musk’s insults. “As anybody with teenage children would know, you’re frequently called an idiot and a twat at home,” he quipped. He also mentioned that while European regulations prevent non-Europeans from owning airlines, Musk was welcome to invest in Ryanair, suggesting it could be a more lucrative opportunity than his current ventures with X.
As the feud continues, it has not only sparked public interest but also translated into tangible benefits for Ryanair. The airline’s ability to leverage the situation demonstrates the potential of public relations tactics in the competitive aviation market. Musk’s reputation and influence, while formidable, may inadvertently support O’Leary’s marketing strategies.