Jan 16, (GeokHub) A public war of words has erupted between Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary over the cost and practicality of installing Starlink satellite internet on commercial aircraft.
The dispute began after O’Leary ruled out adopting Starlink Wi-Fi across Ryanair’s fleet of more than 600 aircraft, citing concerns over increased fuel consumption and high operational costs. The airline boss estimated the service could cost carriers as much as $250 million annually, arguing that the drag caused by Starlink antennas would raise fuel burn and undermine Ryanair’s low-cost model.
Musk responded sharply on his social media platform, X, calling O’Leary “misinformed” and disputing his assessment of the fuel impact. He claimed Ryanair lacked the expertise to accurately measure the aerodynamic effects of Starlink equipment.
The exchange escalated further when O’Leary, speaking to Irish radio station Newstalk, dismissed Musk’s comments, saying the billionaire knew “zero” about aviation and drag. O’Leary also described X as a “cesspit,” intensifying the public confrontation.
Musk later fired back, branding the Ryanair chief executive an “utter idiot” and suggesting he should be removed from his position. When a follower on X joked that Musk should buy Ryanair himself and fire O’Leary, Musk replied: “Good idea.”
Starlink’s Growing Role in Aviation
Despite the clash, airlines are becoming an increasingly important customer segment for Starlink, which is operated by Musk’s SpaceX. The low-Earth orbit satellite network is designed to deliver faster and more reliable in-flight internet compared with traditional systems.
More than two dozen airlines, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, have already announced plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi across parts of their fleets. While financial details of these agreements have not been disclosed, industry analysts describe Starlink as a premium offering, particularly attractive to long-haul and full-service airlines rather than ultra-low-cost carriers.
The Ryanair dispute highlights a broader divide in the aviation industry, as airlines balance passenger demand for high-speed connectivity against rising fuel costs, efficiency concerns, and tight margins.
