Ryanair, Europe’s favourite airline, today (18 Jan) confirmed that all 15 of its UK pilot bases – including London Stansted which had previously rejected an improved pay deal – have now voted in secret ballot to accept pay increases of up to 20% and these increases will be paid next week in the January payroll.  These increases bring Ryanair’s pilot pay in the UK to 20% more than competitor 737 operators (Norwegian and Jet2).

Ryanair is continuing its recognition discussions with BALPA, the UK pilot union, but had agreed with BALPA that these pay increases should not be delayed by these recognition negotiations, which are proceeding quickly.  Ryanair and BALPA agreed to offer these pay increases to the 6 out of 15 UK bases (including Stansted) which had not previously accepted them.

The majority of Ryanair’s pilots in Ireland have already agreed to these pay increases voting in secret ballot at the Cork and Shannon bases, and a majority of pilots in Dublin who are contractors or new joiners have already agreed  them.  Ryanair had asked the remaining Dublin pilots to vote on this large pay increase on or before 17^th January so that they could be paid in next week’s January payroll.  Ryanair is disappointed that no such vote was organised among the remaining 35% of Dublin pilots who will now not receive this pay increase in the January payroll.

Ryanair is continuing to negotiate with FORSA and its Ryanair Irish Pilots Council, but these discussions are progressing slowly.  Ryanair will continue to communicate with the 35% of Dublin pilots who have yet to accept this substantial pay increase which, if accepted, can be included in the February payroll and will take them to 20% higher pay than Norwegian 737 pilots in Dublin.