Michael O'Leary: I have no intention of making peace with Elon Musk, because he is an idiot

Michael O'Leary, the chief executive of Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair, categorically rejected the idea of reconciling with technology magnate Elon Musk. This position became known on Monday, when the company's head commented on the prolonged public conflict that began in January of this year.

Causes of the dispute: Starlink and financial calculations

The key to the dispute was the budget airline's refusal to install Starlink satellite internet systems, developed by Musk, on board its aircraft. Despite more than a year of negotiations, Ryanair insisted that such equipment was not beneficial for the low-cost carrier's business model.

Musk did not share this view, stating that the company was "wrong" in its profitability calculations. The situation escalated on 15 January when O'Leary called Musk an "idiot". In response, the SpaceX founder called the Ryanair chief an "absolute idiot" the following day and called for his dismissal.

“He thinks I am an idiot, and I know that he is an idiot”

Commenting on further actions, O'Leary emphasised in an interview with Bloomberg (cited by Politico) that he has no desire to make peace with his opponent.

«Я не маю наміру миритися з ним. Він вважає мене ідіотом, а я знаю, що він – ідіот», – сказав генеральний директор. ("I have no intention of making peace with him. He thinks I am an idiot, and I know that he is an idiot," said the chief executive.)

Financial gain from the scandal

O'Leary said he had taken advantage of the situation by launching the "Big Idiot Seat Sale" campaign at the beginning of the year. During this campaign, 100,000 tickets were sold at prices starting from £16.99 one-way, which served as a way to mock Musk.

According to the Ryanair chief, this incident provided the company with free advertising worth approximately $30-40 million. The number of bookings increased over two to three weeks.

«Якщо нам вдасться ще раз його роздратувати, тим краще», – пожартував О’Лірі. ("If we can annoy him again, all the better," O'Leary joked.)