In brief
Elon Musk has stirred controversy by suggesting he might buy Ryanair, prompting a fiery response from CEO Michael O'Leary, who has labeled Musk an 'idiot.' The exchange escalated after O'Leary rejected Musk’s proposal to integrate Starlink Wi-Fi on Ryanair flights, leading to a series of insults and even a cheeky promotional sale from Ryanair aimed at Musk and other 'idiots' on X. With both leaders known for their provocative remarks, this drama continues to capture public attention.
Elon Musk has suggested he could buy Ryanair and called for its chief executive to be fired amidst a deepening spat between the pair. The budget airline on Tuesday branded the Tesla chief executive an idiot and used the extraordinary row to promote its January sale.
Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary have been trading insults over the past week after O'Leary rejected the idea of using Musk's Starlink technology to provide wi-fi on flights.
The two are among the world's most outspoken business chiefs, with Musk the world's richest man with an estimated net worth of $769bn (£573bn), and O'Leary running Europe's busiest airline.
A statement on Ryanair's X account on Tuesday evening said: Perhaps Musk needs a break?? Ryanair is launching a Great Idiots seat sale especially for Elon and any other idiots on 'X'. It came after Musk floated the idea of buying Ryanair several times on X in the past week, suggesting that O'Leary should be sacked for rejecting Starlink's wi-fi.
O'Leary explained that it could cost up to $200-250m a year to install Starlink equipment, making it impractical for Ryanair.
Both Musk and O'Leary have been known to court media attention with provocative public statements, making this ongoing feud one to watch.
