U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair against purchasing aircraft manufactured in China. This comes after Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently stated that the airline might consider buying Chinese-made jets at attractive prices.
In a letter dated April 29 addressed to O’Leary, Krishnamoorthi claimed that Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC has close ties to the Chinese military and has allegedly benefited from the illegal acquisition of foreign intellectual property. “With due respect, American and European airlines should not even consider purchasing aircraft from companies affiliated with the Chinese military,” he wrote.
The Chinese government has repeatedly denied allegations of intellectual property theft, saying such claims are aimed at undermining its commercial aviation industry and accusing the U.S. of politicizing trade.
Earlier in April, O’Leary told Skift that Ryanair would consider ordering aircraft from Chinese manufacturers if prices were favorable and that the company was open to alternatives beyond Boeing and Airbus.
These developments come amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions affecting aerospace companies like Boeing. Recently, Boeing flew back three 737 MAX jets from China to the U.S. after Chinese airlines declined to accept them due to tariffs.
