Ryanair(US:RYAAY) Benzinga·2026-01-22 04:01Core Viewpoint - Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, indicated that the public dispute with Elon Musk has positively impacted the airline's bookings, suggesting that Musk's involvement has generated beneficial publicity for Ryanair [1][2][3] Group 1: Impact of Publicity - O'Leary noted that the airline experienced a "very significant" surge in bookings, increasing by 2% to 3% over the past five days due to the publicity generated from Musk's comments [3] - The airline received "three or four million hits" for its promotional "great idiots" seat sale launched in response to the public spat with Musk [2] Group 2: Financial Considerations - O'Leary explained that Ryanair chose not to install Starlink satellite internet due to high installation costs and potential fuel drag, estimating an increase in fuel expenses by "€100 and €200 million" annually [1] - Ryanair's shares have been performing well, rising 2.83% over the past week amid Musk's acquisition proposal, with a notable 1.37% increase on Wednesday, closing at $70.45 [5] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - O'Leary extended an invitation for Musk to invest in Ryanair, emphasizing that it is a publicly owned company and suggesting that it represents a better investment opportunity compared to Musk's acquisition of X for $44 billion [4]