Ryanair decided to close applications for direct entry captains

Ryanair decided to close all applications for direct entry Captains last week. According to unofficial statement of the company, Ryanair may commence further hiring in June 2020, so in one year. However, this is valid for type-rated Captains only. As the company stated, there is no further plan to hire non-type rated commanders.

In the last year and half, Ryanair has hired more than 400 Captains across the globe. Many of them from ceased airlines such as Germania, Primera or WOW Airlines. As a result Ryanair is front loaded with enough commanders for upcoming months. There is also enough First Officers awaiting command upgrade, that is another source of supply.

Ryanair continues to hire First Officers and cadets and it’s daughter company Lauda Motion still have open positions for both type-rated and non-type rated Captains.

All Captains currently awaiting a start date of the operator conversion course (OCC) have been informed about the decision by email. The situation may be another sign of industry slowdown in Europe.