Ryanair dismisses chief pilot after internal investigation

Ryanair Designated Activity Company (DAC) has dismissed its chief pilot, Aidan Murray, following an internal investigation which it told staff found “unacceptable behaviour”.

An internal note to employees from chief people officer Darrell Hughes on Wednesday, said an investigation identified a “pattern of repeated inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” by the chief pilot.

It is understood management began the investigation about three weeks ago after receiving a note from a member of staff. It is not clear if Mr Murray will appeal the company’s decision.

Ryanair DAC made no public statement beyond saying that it does not comment on queries relating to individual employees.

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The airline immediately replaced the chief pilot, as the post is one that air travel safety regulations demand must be filled at all times. Airlines are obliged to ensure that someone is available to take on the role should the incumbent be unable to continue for any reason.

Consequently Ryanair DAC will also have had to inform the Irish Aviation Authority, the Republic’s safety regulator, of the change in personnel.

Mr Murray worked with the airline since the mid-1990s and previously served as deputy chief pilot before Ryanair appointed him chief pilot in 2020.

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association told members that the trade union was aware of reports concerning Ryanair’s chief pilot and was communicating with members in the airline.