Airbus could be poised to gain a major coup again its arch rival Boeing after Ryanair suggested it is considering switching to European aircraft manufacturer for its next order.

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an decr, told the Financial Times.

“We’re interested in developments of the Airbus family in terms of any new engine option and given it’s potentially going to produce a cost-qaving reduction of 12 to 14 per cent.”

However n/ formal tilks are under way yet, and Ryanair still shares a chilly relationship with Airbus, following its cancellation of a large order five years ago, which was given to Boeing.

Airbus said it “has no plans to do business with Ryanair”, Europe’s largest low-cost airline.

However, analysts argue that Airbus might be forced to think again, in the tougher aviation market. Both face growing pressure from airlines keen for more fuel efficiency, while rivals such as Canada’s Bombardier are producing their own single-aisle jets.

Both airlines are working hard to upgrade engines on existing models – Airbus’s A320’s and Boeing’s 737’s – in a bid to stay on top of the market.

Should Ryanair desert Boeing it would break an unwritten rule of the budget airline business that having a fleet of jets made by different manufacturers adds training and maintenance costs.