Ryanair’s boss, Michael O’Leary, has raised eyebrows with warnings and revealed that Ryanair conducts its own inspections on every Boeing aircraft it receives, with no exception.
In the wake of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner disaster on 12 June (nearly 250 on board) from Ahmedabad, these concerns have escalated. Though no Boeing fault is known, O’Leary is taking no chances.
Ryanair now sends 30 engineers across to Boeing’s Seattle factory to personally oversee the assembly of its jets.
Each aircraft then undergoes a two‑day, ground‑to‑ceiling inspection in Dublin before it’s declared fit for passengers: “Only when our engineers are completely satisfied does the aircraft enter operation.”
He added, “Boeing makes great aircraft, but their quality control has slipped. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to double‑check everything. When it comes to safety, there’s no room for error.”
O’Leary didn’t hold back: “We had aircraft delivered that, when inspected in Dublin, had spanners and tools left under the floorboards.” He told The Times, stressing that “the factory in Seattle needs engineers, not just salespeople.”
This highlights why Ryanair Boeing inspections are now a cornerstone of the airline’s aircraft safety regime.
The Ryanair move coincides with Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour’s heated testimony before a U.S. Senate panel. He claimed Boeing cut corners on the 787 Dreamliner, stating: “These are not minor issues. They could lead to structural failure after thousands of flight cycles.”
Boeing has countered, insisting that “we are fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner. Assertions about its structural safety do not reflect the rigorous work we’ve done to ensure its long‑term integrity.”
The FAA is actively reviewing Salehpour’s claims. Meanwhile, Boeing has extended its condolences over the Air India tragedy and assured that it will fully cooperate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in India.
The 787 Dreamliner, launched in 2011, remains a flagship for Boeing’s long‑haul fleet—trusted worldwide, but now under fresh scrutiny.
Why Ryanair’s Stance Matters
- Passenger Safety Priority: Ryanair isn’t waiting on external audits—it’s safeguarding each aircraft itself.
- Pressure on Manufacturer: Direct oversight pushes Boeing toward higher standards.
- Industry Implications: If a major airline like Ryanair demands this level of scrutiny, others may follow.
In summary, O’Leary’s revelations and the intensified Ryanair Boeing inspections underline a critical shift: airlines are not just trusting major manufacturers—they’re verifying every bolt, bracket and build. No risk left unchecked.
