A “HISTORIC” recognition deal has been agreed between Ryanair and the trade union representing pilots.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) announced yesterday that it had signed a voluntary agreement whereby Balpa will be recognised as the sole trade union representing all of Ryanair’s 600 employed pilots based in Britain.

Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “Given Ryanair’s previous hostility towards unions, today’s agreement is a historic one.

“While we were initially sceptical about Ryanair’s sincerity in offering recognition to us and other unions, our conversations and meetings with them have shown that they are genuine in wanting a constructive trade union relationship.

“Balpa will be opening our election for five Ryanair company council representatives to be chosen from among the Balpa members employed by Ryanair.

“These reps will lead future negotiations on issues such as pay, hours, rostering and holidays on behalf of all our Ryanair members.

“We will also be opening an election for an advisory group for Ryanair contractor pilots who are not employed directly by the company.”

Mr Strutton hoped the deal will be the “beginning of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship” between Balpa and Ryanair and urged the airline to agree deals with pilot unions in other countries as well as cabin-crew unions.

The budget airline announced before Christmas that it was changing its stance towards unions and was willing to enter talks about recognising pilots’ union in a number of European countries, including Britain.

Ryanair personnel director Eddie Wilson said the agreement “shows how serious Ryanair is about working constructively with unions that are willing to work constructively with us.”