New group formed to give Ryanair pilots 'united voice'

Ryanair said yesterday it would continue to deal directly with employees after unions announced the formation of a new association of the airline's pilots.

The Ryanair European Pilots' Association (REPA) says it will give pilots a "united voice" in their dealings with the airline "and in particular its chief executive", Mr Michael O'Leary.

It was launched yesterday in Dublin and London by the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (IALPA) and its British counterpart, BALPA.

They said REPA had the support of pilot associations across Europe, including the umbrella body for pilot unions, the European Cockpit Association.

The new association's website, www.repaweb.org, is the second established in recent months inviting Ryanair employees to share experiences online. The International Transport Workers' Federation set up www.ryan-be-fair.org in August.

Relations between Ryanair and some of its pilots worsened recently after a number failed to attend one of a series of information meetings with Mr O'Leary.

Those who did not turn up were told their careers could suffer. Ryanair said more than 80 per cent of pilots did attend.

IALPA president Capt Evan Cullen said REPA would provide a voice for all Ryanair pilots.

"Members will decide what points they want raised with management, with the regulators and with politicians . . . Ryanair pilots will be able to speak with one voice."

It appears unlikely that the airline will speak to the new association. A spokeswoman said it would continue to deal directly with employees "because this is what the majority of the employees wish".