Ryanair CEO Brushes Off Musk's Insults, Claims Sales Boost

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-21 18:39:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-07 16:01:18

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In a recent interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary dismissed Elon Musk's insults with a shrug, revealing an unexpected sales surge for the airline. The tech billionaire's Twitter jabs, labeling O'Leary an "idiot" over a Starlink-related dispute, have seemingly backfired, with Ryanair reporting a sales increase of up to three percent.

O'Leary, known for his outspoken and often controversial remarks, seems unbothered by Musk's online taunts. The feud began when O'Leary criticized Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, for its high costs and limited functionality on moving vehicles. Musk, never one to shy away from a public spat, fired back on Twitter, calling the airline CEO an "idiot" and claiming that Starlink works just fine on Tesla cars.

Despite the public nature of the dispute, O'Leary remains unfazed, stating, "It wouldn't be the first time someone called me an idiot, and it certainly won't be the last." He went on to reveal that the publicity from the exchange has had a positive impact on Ryanair's sales. The airline has seen a boost in bookings, particularly from younger, tech-savvy travelers, who seem to appreciate the CEO's willingness to engage in a public debate with one of the world's most influential tech leaders.

This unexpected outcome highlights the power of social media interactions and the potential for unconventional marketing strategies. With a simple tweet, Musk inadvertently promoted Ryanair, showcasing how online disputes can have real-world business implications. As the airline industry continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, this incident serves as a unique example of how public spats can sometimes lead to surprising benefits.

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