Now Ryanair boss begs his pilots not to leave

RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has pleaded with his pilots not to leave amid fears that they will desert for other airlines.

The budget airline last week insisted its pilots enjoy ‘great pay’ and an ‘industry leading’ contract.

It rejected union claims that a pilot shortage caused it to cancel more than 20,000 flights over the winter, wrecking the travel plans of almost three quarters of a mil- lion passengers. But in a humiliating retreat, Mr O’Leary has now issued a desperate appeal to its pilots, urging them not to quit.

In a letter to them he pledged to ‘transform’ their pay and career prospects. The offer includes a 12-month loyalty bonus of up to £10,700. Pilots have also been offered a pay rise of £9,000 for captains and £4,500 for first officers at a number of bases.