New Ryanair Jet? Talks with China’s COMAC Are Heating Up
It might sound far-fetched—but Ryanair isn’t ruling it out. In early 2025, CEO Michael O’Leary made headlines when he said he would seriously consider ordering the COMAC C919, China’s newest single-aisle jet—if the price made sense.
“If it was cheap enough—10 or 20% less than an Airbus aircraft—then we would order it,” O’Leary stated, sparking a fresh wave of speculation about Ryanair’s future fleet. (TheFlightClub.it, 2025)
Whether this is a bargaining tactic or a real possibility remains open. But the timing and tone suggest Ryanair is watching COMAC more seriously than ever before.
Credit: World Travel & Tourism Council via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
What Exactly Is the COMAC C919?
Built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 is designed to challenge the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 head-on. It seats around 160 passengers and offers similar range, cabin layout, and fuel efficiency.
While it entered commercial service in 2023 with China Eastern Airlines, the jet hasn’t yet been certified outside of China. COMAC is now pushing for approval from Europe’s EASA, which is essential for Ryanair to operate the aircraft in its core markets.
Certification efforts are progressing. Skift reported in March 2025 that COMAC is “in regular communication” with EASA and is aiming for regulatory approval by late 2025 or early 2026. (Skift, 2025)
Why Would Ryanair Want It?
At the heart of this story is cost. Ryanair is built around keeping expenses low, and aircraft purchases are one of its biggest line items. If COMAC can offer jets at a 15–20% discount compared to Airbus or Boeing, Ryanair could save hundreds of millions over a long-term order.
O’Leary also hinted at growing frustration with Boeing. “I’m not wedded to the 737,” he told journalists, making it clear that Ryanair is open to alternatives. The airline currently operates an all-Boeing fleet but has sparred with the manufacturer in recent years over delays and pricing.
Even if the C919 never lands in Ryanair’s hangars, the interest alone could serve as a strategic tool to gain leverage in future negotiations.
But There’s a Long Road Ahead
Several issues stand between Ryanair and any real purchase.
First, the C919 doesn’t yet have European certification. Without EASA approval, the aircraft can’t legally fly on Ryanair’s routes. COMAC is making progress, but approval from Western regulators is complex and time-consuming.
Then there’s the question of supply. Ryanair typically orders planes in bulk—100 or more at a time. COMAC’s production rate, while growing, is still small and geared toward domestic Chinese demand. It’s unclear whether the manufacturer could scale fast enough to meet Ryanair’s needs.
And switching aircraft types is expensive. Training pilots, maintaining parts, installing simulators—it all adds up. Integrating a new jet would also require updates to ground support, scheduling systems, and maintenance logistics.
Not Ryanair’s First Look at COMAC
Back in 2011, Ryanair and COMAC signed a cooperation agreement to help shape the C919’s development. Nothing came of it back then, but the interest was real.
This time, the stakes are higher. Ryanair has proven it will chase better deals wherever it can find them. If COMAC can overcome its current limitations, the C919 might offer more than just negotiation value—it could actually fly for a major European carrier.
What Would It Take to Make This Real?
To see Ryanair flying Chinese aircraft, several boxes need to be checked:
- EASA Certification – Without this, nothing moves forward.
- Manufacturing Scale – COMAC must deliver at the volumes Ryanair expects.
- Operational Track Record – Safety, efficiency, and reliability must be proven.
All of these are in motion—but none are simple.
Closing Thought: Bold Bargain or Future Bet?
It’s still early days, but Ryanair’s renewed interest in the C919 isn’t just hot air. Whether as a negotiating tool or a real fleet option, the aircraft’s arrival signals a shift in aviation’s power dynamics.
Airbus and Boeing may still dominate—but China’s entry is no longer hypothetical. It’s parked on the edge of Europe, waiting for the right runway to open.
as launch customer of new aircraft model,a carrier can enjoy more than price discount.. training and service credit also translate into huge saving for the operator.. another side of the coin is uncertainty of availability and on time rate.. it is trade off… forget Boeing,its F factor spells end of its fate.