The business world is buzzing with the latest online clash between Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary. A heated debate about Starlink internet installation has sparked speculation of a potential Ryanair acquisition by the billionaire entrepreneur.
What Triggered the Feud?
The controversy began when O’Leary publicly rejected the idea of installing Musk’s Starlink internet on Ryanair aircraft. In an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk, O’Leary highlighted significant drawbacks, explaining that Starlink’s satellite receivers would increase aerodynamic drag, leading to an estimated $250 million hike in annual fuel costs. He pointed out that this would translate to an additional $1 on ticket prices, a cost passengers might not be willing to pay. His statements included sharp criticism of Musk, whom he called “an idiot.”
Musk’s Response on Social Media
Elon Musk, known for his bold use of social media, didn’t take O’Leary’s remarks lightly. Via his platform, X (formerly Twitter), Musk dismissed O’Leary’s calculative disapproval, implying it was based on misinformation. The Tesla CEO even joked about buying Ryanair to “restore Ryan as their rightful ruler” and launched a poll among his 232.5 million followers on whether he should acquire the airline. Out of over 766,000 participants, 77% supported the idea.
Market Reactions
Following Musk’s comments, Ryanair stock surged by 2.52% in after-hours trading, signaling that investors are taking the speculation seriously. Given Musk’s net worth of $681 billion, Ryanair’s $35 billion market cap is well within his financial reach. Despite this, the possibility of an actual acquisition remains speculative as no formal offer has been made yet.
History of Musk’s Follow-Through
Elon Musk has proven he often follows through with his online statements. Notable examples include his $44 billion purchase of Twitter in 2022, after which he implemented significant changes, such as rebranding the platform to X and restructuring its leadership. This history raises questions about whether Musk will turn his attention to the aviation industry next.
Final Thoughts
While the debate between Musk and O’Leary continues to dominate headlines, it’s unclear whether Ryanair is truly on Musk’s radar for acquisition. What’s certain, however, is Musk’s ability to influence markets and generate widespread curiosity with a single tweet.
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