Ryanair reaches pay deal with pilots’ union Balpa

Budget airline Ryanair has reached a pay deal with pilots’ union Balpa on post-Covid pay restoration for its UK pilots.

Ryanair said on Thursday that it welcomed the outcome of the ballot, which will accelerate pay restoration and deliver pay increases post restoration to 2026.

"This year the airline will grow to 115% of its pre-Covid capacity and is prioritising the early restoration of pay for its people through these re-negotiated agreements to keep jobs secure and to have a foundation for growth," it said.

The new deal also provides for pay enhancements and other benefits beyond full restoration of pay for pilots until 2026.

Ryanair’s People Director Darrell Hughes said: "We welcome the outcome of this ballot of our UK pilots which has shown strong support for the agreement negotiated with Balpa.

"While the recovery from the impact of the pandemic is still ongoing and our industry faces significant challenges, this long-term agreement delivers stability, accelerated pay restoration, future pay increases and other benefit improvements for our UK pilots."

Hughes said Ryanair is continuing to work with its pilots and their unions on new deals, similar to the one concluded with Balpa, and has successfully re-negotiated improved long-term agreements with 70% of its pilots, running until 2026 or 2027.