Ryanair flights take off despite pilots' strike

Ryanair flights in and out of UK airports took off as normal Thursday morning despite strikes by pilots, the airline has said. Thousands of passengers were braced for disruption ahead of a 48-hour walkout over pay and conditions. However, the airline said 97% of flights took off on time Thursday, blaming the few delays on air traffic control. The carrier has now said it does not expect any disruption Thursday. The airline said it had drafted in pilots from elsewhere in Europe to fill in during strike action. Another 48-hour walkout is planned by members of Balpa in early September to coincide with the end of the summer holidays. The pilots are striking over pay and benefits. They have asked Ryanair to change its policies on issues such as pensions, maternity benefits and insurance for pilots who lose their licence. <br/>