The agreement, covering base transfers and command upgrades and related seniority principles, followed mediated talks between the union and Ryanair management.

Pilots voted unanimously to back the agreement.

IALPA issued a statement yesterday (5th September):

"IALPA members were consulted on the tentative agreement by way of a secret ballot that was launched on 24 August. Today’s results show that 100% of pilots believe this proposal to be the first step towards providing transparency and fairness for Ryanair pilots while also assisting Ryanair in recruiting and retaining pilots in the future.

"Although acknowledging that relations have been difficult in the past between IALPA and Ryanair, IALPA is committed to building a constructive relationship with Ryanair based on mutual respect and a shared future, starting with this initial Collective Agreement on Seniority.

"Captain Joe May Spokesperson for IALPA said “While our members fully respect Ryanair’s operational model, they no longer accept the company’s highly problematic employment model. After decades of declining terms & conditions, pilots in Ryanair have now firmly found a unified voice. When pilots are treated fairly and transparently by an airline, they will be motivated to contribute to their airline’s success, stay at the company and make their career with that airline.”

The dispute over management’s approach to transferring pilots between its European and African bases saw directly employed pilots at the airline engage in five days of industrial action in July and August.