Ryanair to scrap its plans to cut fleet as Irish pilots accept union deal
Europe’s largest low-cost carrier had planned to reduce its winter fleet by six aircraft, which would have put 300 jobs on the line
Dublin — Ryanair is set to scrap plans to reduce its fleet in Ireland after pilots there unanimously backed a deal negotiated by their trade union that provided a breakthrough in the airline’s efforts to quell staff protests. Europe’s largest low-cost carrier suffered its worst strikes this summer, but reached agreement on issues including transfers and promotions with the Irish union two weeks ago and said it was hopeful it could secure deals in other markets soon. In a statement after the Fórsa/Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA) union published the ballot result on Wednesday, Ryanair welcomed the vote and said it would ask its board to reverse a plan to reduce its Dublin fleet by six aircraft. In July, Ryanair said it would reduce the winter fleet in its home base to 24 from 30, moving aircraft to its Polish airline, Ryanair Sun, which it said was enjoying rapid growth. The fleet reduction threatened the jobs of more than 100 Dublin pilots and more than 200 cabin crew who w...
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