Pregnant pilots in Aer Lingus will now receive variable pay for the first time in the airline’s history following a campaign by IALPA, the Irish Air Lines’ Pilots Association, a branch of Fórsa. 

In a significant step forward for gender equality in aviation, pilots will no longer lose up to 25% of their pay when they get pregnant and are unable to fly, as had been the case in the past.  

Previously, when a pilot became pregnant and was unable to fly, they were automatically entitled to a suitable ground position that was only remunerated by basic pay. Now, any pregnant pilot who transfers to a ground position will receive full basic pay, variable pay, and performance pay. The variable pay will be determined based on the variable pay received by the individual over the previous 12 months.  

First officer Sinéad Forde, chair of IALPA’s female and family support working group, said: “IALPA has been seeking equality during pregnancy for a number of years without any meaningful progress taking place.” 

“Over the last three months, IALPA and Aer Lingus have engaged extensively and have finally reached agreement, ensuring that women pilots who are pregnant will receive their normal pay up until birth and no longer be at any financial loss.” 

“This is a significant achievement for the female and family support working group of IALPA and is a step in the right direction for equality in the workplace.” 

In addition, Fórsa has been engaging on behalf of cabin crew members, and whilst the majority of crew on grounded duties have been receiving of both basic and variable pay, it has now been confirmed that moving forward all pregnant crew working ground duties will receive basic and variable pay.  

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