Musk and O’Leary Trade Barbs Over StarlinkS Potential on Ryanair Flights
Published: 2026/01/16 19:27:10
The Escalating Dispute
A public feud between Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and owner of X (formerly Twitter), and Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, has intensified following O’Leary’s dismissal of the possibility of equipping Ryanair aircraft with Starlink internet service. The conflict began after O’Leary estimated the cost of implementing Starlink across Ryanair’s fleet of over 600 planes could reach $250 million annually, largely due to the potential impact of antenna drag on fuel efficiency.
O’Leary’s Concerns and Musk’s Response
O’Leary voiced his concerns on Wednesday, citing fuel costs and the overall expense as prohibitive factors. he argued that the added drag from the Starlink antennas would considerably increase fuel consumption.Musk responded via his social media platform X, asserting that O’Leary was “misinformed” and lacked a proper understanding of the fuel impact associated with Starlink equipment.
The exchange continued when O’Leary, speaking to Newstalk, an Irish radio station, criticized Musk’s knowledge of aviation and drag, labeling the billionaire an “idiot” and describing X as a ”cesspit.” Musk retaliated on Friday with a direct attack, posting on X, “Ryanair CEO is an utter idiot. Fire him.” He even entertained the idea of purchasing Ryanair to replace O’Leary, responding to a follower’s suggestion with a simple, “Good idea.”
Starlink’s Growing Presence in Aviation
Despite the dispute with Ryanair, starlink is rapidly gaining traction within the airline industry. More than two dozen carriers, including major players like United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, are currently integrating Starlink’s high-speed, low-Earth orbit satellite internet service into their fleets.This expansion highlights the increasing demand for reliable in-flight WiFi, notably for long-haul flights.
Financial Implications and Market Positioning
While specific financial details of these airline partnerships remain undisclosed, industry analysts position Starlink as a premium service. It is indeed expected to appeal most strongly to airlines focused on long-haul routes and those offering full-service amenities. The service aims to provide a significantly improved internet experiance for passengers compared to traditional in-flight WiFi options.
key Takeaways
- The dispute centers on the cost-benefit analysis of implementing starlink on Ryanair aircraft.
- O’Leary’s primary concern is the potential for increased fuel consumption due to antenna drag.
- Musk refutes these claims, suggesting O’Leary is misinformed.
- Starlink is experiencing significant growth in the aviation sector, partnering with numerous major airlines.
- The service is positioned as a premium offering, targeting long-haul and full-service carriers.
