Ryanair set to scrap plans to cut Irish fleet after pilot vote

Ryanair is set to scrap plans to reduce its fleet in Ireland after pilots there unanimously backed a deal negotiated by their trade union that provided a breakthrough in the airline's efforts to quell staff protests. The carrier suffered its worst ever strikes this summer, but reached agreement on issues including transfers and promotions with the Irish union 2 weeks ago and said it was hopeful it could secure deals in other markets soon. After the Forsa/IALPA union published the ballot result Wednesday, Ryanair welcomed the vote and said it would ask its board to reverse a plan to reduce its Dublin fleet by 6 aircraft. In July, Ryanair said it would reduce the winter fleet in its home base to 24 from 30, moving aircraft to its Polish airline, Ryanair Sun, which it said was enjoying rapid growth. <br/>