RYANAIR pilots have called off the five strike dates they had planned for next week.
The news comes just hours after British Airways pilots also called off their strike which was due to take place on September 27.
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The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), who represent Ryanair pilots, confirmed they would not be striking later this month.
The strikes were due to take place on September 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29.
However, they have called it off so that “meaningful negotiations” could take place between the union and the airline.
A statement from Ryanair said: “Ryanair welcomes this initiative and has invited BALPA to resume talks in East Midlands or in Dublin, at BALPA’s convenience, next week.”
The pilots announced their intention to strike earlier this month due to a number of issues.
A statement from the union explained: “Our claim includes many issues including pensions; loss-of-licence insurance; maternity benefits; allowances; and a fair, transparent, and consistent pay structure.”
RYANMARE Ryanair strikes 2019 – Latest news and updates on flights
They added that they had made “no progress” with Ryanair, hence the reason to strike citing they had “no choice” but to strike.
Ryanair pilots previously walked out on September 18 and 19.
However, a previous statement from the airline explained that all flights were to operate as scheduled during the walkout.
The airline said: “Ryanair expects all its flights to/from UK airports on Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th to operate as scheduled thanks to the efforts of over 95 per cent of our UK pilots who have confirmed that they will work their rosters, and will not support these failed BALPA strikes.”
They added: “British pilots earning six figure annual salaries should not be threatening the holiday flights of thousands of British passengers and their families (very few of whom earn over £170,000 pa).”
In August, the airline had to cancel a small number of flights because of the Spanish strikes.
It was able to keep travel disruption due to the UK pilot strikes earlier this month at a minimum by drafting in staff from other countries.
British Airways have reinstated half of their cancelled flights following the end of the strike later this month, with passengers urged to contact the airline.
However, 200,000 passengers were affected during the September 9 and 10 pilot strike after all flights were cancelled.
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