A public war of words has erupted between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO michael O’Leary, stemming from the budget airline’s decision to reject SpaceX’s Starlink internet service. The dispute, which has played out on social media and in interviews, highlights the ongoing debate over the cost and benefits of incorporating new technologies within the airline industry. Musk has gone so far as to call for O’Leary’s removal, escalating tensions in a disagreement with potential implications for the future of in-flight connectivity.
Elon Musk, the American entrepreneur, has publicly called for the removal of Michael O’Leary, the CEO of budget airline Ryanair, labeling him a “complete idiot.”
The escalating dispute stems from O’Leary’s rejection of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service for Ryanair’s fleet, according to Reuters. The back-and-forth highlights the challenges of integrating new technologies into the cost-conscious airline industry.
On Wednesday, O’Leary dismissed the possibility of equipping any of Ryanair’s 600+ aircraft with Starlink systems, citing concerns about increased fuel costs due to the added drag from the internet antennas. He estimated the service would cost the airline up to $250 million annually.
Musk responded on his social media platform, X, claiming O’Leary was “misinformed” and that Ryanair lacked the expertise to accurately assess the impact of Starlink equipment on aircraft fuel consumption.
In an interview with Irish radio station NewsTalk, O’Leary dismissed Musk’s understanding of aviation and drag, calling the American billionaire an “idiot” and describing X as a “septic tank.”
Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink, fired back on X, stating: “The Ryanair CEO is a complete idiot. Fire him.”
When a follower suggested he purchase the airline and personally fire O’Leary, Musk responded that it was a “good idea.”
Airlines are becoming an increasingly important customer base for Starlink, the satellite internet network powered by thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, offering faster and more reliable in-flight internet access. Several carriers, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, are already implementing the service.
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Днес, повече от всякога, независимата журналистика има нужда от вас.
В мисията си да предоставяме обективни, достоверни и навременни новини разчитаме на вашата подкрепа.
Ако вярвате в правото си на обективна информация, подкрепете ни.
Днес, повече от всякога, независимата журналистика има нужда от вас. В мисията си да предоставяме обективни, достоверни и навременни новини разчитаме на вашата подкрепа.
Ако вярвате в правото си на обективна информация, подкрепете ни.
Вашето дарение от всякакъв размер и по всяко време означава много за нас.
Скъпи читатели,
Днес, повече от всякога, независимата журналистика има нужда от вас.
В мисията си да предоставяме обективни, достоверни и навременни новини разчитаме на вашата подкрепа.
Ако вярвате в правото си на обективна информация, подкрепете ни.
