Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has walked back his earlier rejection of Elon Musk’s Starlink, while still insisting that free inflight Wi-Fi is inevitable for the airline within five years. The initial conflict between the two outspoken leaders stemmed from O’Leary’s dismissal of Starlink as impractical for Ryanair’s short-haul fleet.
The Initial Clash
The dispute flared up last week when O’Leary publicly criticized Starlink, arguing against the need for external aerials on aircraft. Despite the public back-and-forth, O’Leary now concedes that free onboard internet will become standard practice in the aviation industry.
The Five-Year Plan
During Monday’s quarterly earnings call, O’Leary stated that Ryanair would adopt Wi-Fi “in a heartbeat” once the technology no longer requires external hardware. This suggests that the airline is willing to explore alternatives as long as they don’t compromise the aircraft’s structure or aerodynamics.
Why This Matters
The shift in tone from O’Leary highlights the growing pressure on airlines to provide enhanced passenger amenities. Free Wi-Fi has become a standard expectation among travelers, and airlines that lag behind risk losing market share. The fact that Ryanair, known for its cost-cutting measures, is considering the change underscores this trend.
“In five years’ time, as the technology continuously improves, I think most airlines will be fitting Wi-Fi access onboard short-haul aircraft.” – Michael O’Leary
The airline industry is adapting to the demands of modern travelers, and Ryanair’s eventual adoption of free Wi-Fi is just one example of this. The question now is whether SpaceX or another provider will win out as the technology matures.
