Ryanair in talks with United Aircraft and COMAC for new aircraft

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary confirmed the carrier has held talks with Russian and Chinese aircraft manufacturers about supplying the carrier with new aircraft (The Telegraph/AFP, 08-Mar-2011). "We have just started talks with the Russian and the Chinese. There is nothing to update on that at the moment," Mr O'Leary stated. Ryanair operates a B737-only fleet at present, but broke off negotiations with Boeing on a large new order in late 2009 as the two parties were unable to agree on terms and conditions. United Aircraft is developing the MS-21, a medium-range aircraft that can seat 150-212 passengers, while COMAC is developing the single-aisle C919 aircraft. Both are expected to be introduced after 2014.