A happy landing for Ryanair and its pilots?

Sir, – The news that Michael O'Leary and Ryanair have conceded to now recognise pilots' unions is gratifying and shows succinctly what still can be achieved when a set of workers have enough traction to gain an advantage for themselves (irishtimes.com, December 15th).

For some time now, Ryanair has been haemorrhaging pilots and the terms and conditions which they were expected to operate under was the primary reason for this.

Eventually, they had Mr O’Leary on the ropes and a threatened strike on the busiest week of the year for air travel was enough to land the killer punch.

Joyeux Noël! – Yours, etc,

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JD MANGAN,

Stillorgan, Co Dublin.

Sir, – Michael O’Leary should get out now.

Now that the unions have gotten their claws into Ryanair, costs will increase, fares will increase and passenger numbers will go down. Insolvency here we come. – Yours, etc,

AVRIL HEDDERMAN,

Stillorgan, Co Dublin.

Sir, – Michael O’Leary is reported to have said that he would cut off his own hands rather than deal with unions. Now that Ryanair has acceded to demands of its pilots for the right to engage in free collective bargaining, Mr O’Leary’s volte-face is to be welcomed; and as CEO of Ryanair, long may he continue to employ a hands-on approach to the running of his company. – Yours, etc,

PAUL DELANEY,

Dalkey,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – Which of Ireland’s O’Leary folk will be eating crow for Christmas dinner this year? – Yours, etc,

FRANK GOLDEN,

Dublin 7.

Sir, – Should Ryanair passengers be concerned that their pilots are joining an organisation called “Impact”? – Yours, etc,

BERNARD MEEHAN,

Knocklyon,

Dublin 16.