A professional disagreement over technology swiftly devolved into a remarkably personal and public war of words between two of the world's most outspoken billionaire CEOs. The clash pits Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk against Michael O'Leary, the long-time chief executive of European budget airline Ryanair.
From Technical Debate to Name-Calling
The conflict began on Wednesday, January 16, 2024, when Michael O'Leary publicly dismissed the idea of equipping Ryanair's fleet with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service. The Irish executive cited concerns over increased fuel costs from the weight and aerodynamic drag of the required roof-mounted antennas.
Elon Musk, the world's richest person, fired back swiftly on his social media platform, X. He declared O'Leary "misinformed" and warned that Ryanair would lose passengers to competing airlines that offer the high-speed connectivity.
The Insults Escalate Rapidly
The exchange grew increasingly hostile by Thursday. O'Leary doubled down during an interview with Ireland's Newstalk radio, asserting that Musk knows "zero" about the physics of flight and drag. He estimated the operational cost of Starlink for Ryanair could reach a staggering US$250 million annually.
O'Leary then delivered a blunt personal assessment: "I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk. He's an idiot, very wealthy, but he's still an idiot."
Not one to back down, Musk retaliated on Friday. He branded the Ryanair boss an "utter idiot" and suggested he should be fired from his position. A request for comment from Ryanair on Musk's statement was not immediately returned.
A Clash of Industry Disruptors
The feud highlights a confrontation between two iconic and abrasive leaders who have reshaped their respective industries. Michael O'Leary has led Ryanair for over three decades, transforming it from a small regional carrier into Europe's largest discount airline and revolutionizing low-cost air travel.
Elon Musk, meanwhile, has dominated the electric vehicle market with Tesla and revolutionized space launch economics with SpaceX. His Starlink venture aims to provide global satellite internet.
In a notable contrast of fortunes, O'Leary is in line to receive a performance-based bonus of €100 million (approximately US$116 million) in 2028. This sum, however, pales in comparison to the vast wealth of Musk, who also leads Tesla and the social media company X.
The core question of whether budget-conscious Ryanair passengers on short European flights actively want or would pay for premium Wi-Fi remains unanswered. However, the corporate leaders' focus has clearly shifted from that debate to a very public and deeply personal confrontation.
