Ryanair plans to recruit 2,000 new pilots to crew aircraft deliveries over the next three years as it recovers and rebuilds from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Europe’s largest airline has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8200 as part of an order for more than 200 new generation aircraft.
As part of Ryanair’s career development initiatives, most captain vacancies created by the new aircraft deliveries will be filled by internal promotions.
This process creates opportunities for replacement first officers and ultimately new cadet pilots.
Training courses take place this year to be ready for summer 2022 for positions all over Europe.
Ryanair has partnered with Airline Flight Academy in Dublin to deliver Boeing 737 training courses as part of the recruitment drive.
People director Darrell Hughes said: “As we take delivery of more than 210 Boeing 737-8200 gamechanger aircraft, Ryanair will recruit 2,000-plus pilots over the next three years to fill positions created by this growth.
“This is great news for experienced and aspiring pilots but also for our own pilots who will enjoy fast tracked promotions.
“Throughout the pandemic, Ryanair has worked closely with our people to save jobs and we are delighted to start planning for a return to growth over the coming years as we recover from the Covid-19 crisis and grow to 200 million guests by FY2024’’.