Ryanair launches program to improve pilot management: Memo

Ryanair is to increase the number of pilots it employs directly and hire more staff to respond to their queries as part of a new program to improve its pilot management, according to an internal memo. The airline in September canceled 20,000 flights, saying rostering problems had left it without enough standby pilots to operate without significant delays. The resulting wave of passenger outrage threatened to undo the success of its 'Always Getting Better' customer service drive. In the memo, chief people officer Eddie Wilson said almost 20 of Ryanair's 86 bases had voted for the pay deal as of Friday. However, a number of bases, including its largest at London Stansted, have rejected the offer. Ryanair said in the memo sent Friday that it would "dramatically increase" the number of pilots employed directly rather than by outside agencies. <br/>